SALEM, Va. - The Calvin men's soccer team (23-2-0) advanced to their third NCAA Championship game in program history Friday with a 1-0 victory over Brandeis in the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament. The Knights will take on Tufts (14-5-2) Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1:30 p.m. at Kerr Stadium for the national title.
Calvin tallied the lone goal in the match in the 74th minute, when the Knights converted on a set piece at the edge of the penalty box. After a Brandeis foul resulted in a red card, Calvin's ensuing free kick by Stephan Hooker was initially saved by goalkeeper Ben Woodhouse. The Judges were unable to clear, and Calvin's Micah Beard was there for the opportunity to knock the ball in.
Brandeis (13-6-4) did not relent, pressuring despite the man disadvantage. The Judges, who outshot Calvin 10-2 in the second half, were unable to break the Knights' defense.
Calvin goalkeeper Nate Van Ryn posted four saves, including a critical stop in the match's 90th minute, to preserve the shutout, his 14th of the season.
Tournament links
NCAA Division III Men's Soccer page
