Freshman Rylie Dalton's first multi-goal game of her Hope College women's soccer career could not have been more timely for the Flying Dutch. The midfielder from Rockford, Michigan (Rockford HS), scored twice, including the game-winner, in a 3-2 victory at Albion on Thursday.

Hope (7-0 overall) matched its longest win streak to start a season — previously set in 2013.

The Flying Dutch also raised their Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association record to 4-0 and remained one-half game ahead of second-place Calvin College.

Dalton's final goal of the game — and her third of the season — snapped a 2-2 tie 5 ½ minutes into the second half. Sophomore Allie Wittenbach of Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS), had the assist.

Dalton tied the score at 2-2 with 7:14 remaining in the first half off the team-leading fifth assist from sophomore Erin Brophy of West Lafayette, Indiana (West Lafayette HS).

Albion (4-3, 2-2 MIAA) took a 2-1 lead with two goals in a span of 7:47.  The output matched what Hope had yielded in the previous six games and a seven-game span of 560 minutes, 8 seconds.

Wittenbach opened the scoring with her third goal of the season 16:19 into the match. Brophy recorded the assist.

The record for the longest unbeaten streak to start a season is 11 games. In 2003, Hope began with a 10-0-1 record.

Hope returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 19 when the Flying Dutch host Olivet. Kickoff is noon at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.