KALAMAZOO, Mich. – An Albion side desperate to avoid a negative start to the first week of its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association schedule got the result it needed Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Kalamazoo College.
"It was a must win for us to get back to equal standing in the league," Albion coach Jerry Block said. "Teams need to get the 'W' because they don't come easy in this league."
Andrew Prince knocked in his second goal of the week – and his first game-winning goal at the collegiate level – in the 72nd minute. Ian Yetzke delivered the crossing pass and Prince was set up at the back post.
Albion played with confidence after Bobby Budlong hit a strike from outside the box in the fourth minute for his fourth goal of the season.
Cal Kirchen produced the equalizer for Kalamazoo in the 15th minute.
The balance of the match shifted when Kalamazoo's Matthew Fitz was issued a red card with 12 seconds left in the first half.
"The red card changed the game on its head," Block said. "Kalamazoo is still a dangerous team, even with 10 men."
Block said Kalamazoo had dangerous chances in the second half, but he credited defenders Clayton Cole and Mitchell Palmer and goalkeeper Justin Kraft for playing well at those times.
Albion (3-3-1 overall and 1-1 against MIAA rivals) has home contests against Olivet College (Sept. 22) and Trine University (Sept. 26) next week.
