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National Collegiate Athletics Association, Calvin University, NCAA Division III men's soccer tournament
Calvin University Men's Soccer Team Wins National Championship
Calvin Defeats Defiance College 2-0 to Capture First NCAA Division III Title
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin University men's soccer team won the NCAA Division III national championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating Defiance College 2-0 at Aquinas College's Cardinal Stadium. The victory marks Calvin's first-ever national championship in men's soccer and the school's second NCAA Division III title overall. The Knights also won the NCAA Division III baseball championship in 2009.
Calvin Dominates from Start to Finish
Calvin controlled the game from the opening whistle, outshooting Defiance 17-4 and holding a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. The Knights took the lead in the 25th minute when senior forward Kyle Visser scored his 15th goal of the season. Visser's goal was assisted by junior midfielder Ethan Yskes.
Calvin extended its lead to 2-0 in the 65th minute when sophomore forward Joey Hansen scored his eighth goal of the season. Hansen's goal was assisted by senior midfielder Josh Ruggles.
Defiance had a few chances to score in the second half, but Calvin's defense was up to the task. Senior goalkeeper Sam Twigg made three saves to earn the shutout.
Calvin's Historic Season
Calvin's victory capped a historic season for the Knights. The team finished with a record of 22-2-1, including a perfect 11-0 record in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Calvin also won the MIAA Tournament championship for the second consecutive year.
In the NCAA Tournament, Calvin defeated Washington University in St. Louis, 2-1, in the first round, and then defeated Messiah College, 2-0, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Calvin defeated Messiah College, 2-0, in the semifinals. Calvin defeated Defiance College, 2-0, in the championship game.
Calvin's Championship Roster
The following is a list of the players on Calvin's NCAA Division III championship roster:
- GK Sam Twigg (Sr.)
- D Connor Aardema (So.)
- D Caleb Hoekstra (Sr.)
- D Josh Ruggles (Sr.)
- D Nick Holwerda (So.)
- MF Ethan Yskes (Jr.)
- MF Luke Grammer (Sr.)
- MF Kyle Visser (Sr.)
- MF Joey Hansen (So.)
- F Kenji Mboma (Sr.)
- F Caden Musselman (Jr.)
- F Tyler Swart (So.)
Calvin's Coaching Staff
Calvin's men's soccer team is coached by head coach Ryan Souders. Souders is in his fifth season as head coach of the Knights and has a record of 68-18-13. Souders was named the MIAA Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2021.
Souders is assisted by associate head coach Nate Hoekstra and assistant coach Matt Warners.