Three Players are All-Region Honorees (12/13/09)
Three members of the Hope men's soccer team have received Division III Great Lakes All-Region honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Sophomore defender Shaun Groetsema of Augusta (Galesburg-Augusta HS) is a first-team honoree while senior defender John Herbert of Culver, Ind. (Culver Academies) and senior midfielder Ausable "Saab" Schwiebert of Chelsea (Chelsea HS) were named to the second team.

The All-Region team honors players from NCAA Division III colleges in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

All three Hope players were also named to the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) all-conference first team this fall. The Flying Dutchmen, coached by Steven Smith, posted a 13-4-3 record and finished second in the MIAA standings.

Dutchmen Ranked Highly in NCAA Stats
Hope's outstanding defense this past season is reflected in the final NCAA Division III statistics. The Flying Dutchmen were 13th among all NCAA Division III men's soccer teams allowing just 12 goals over 20 games. The team was 16th nationally in shutouts with twelve.

Sophomore Logan Neil of Holland (West Ottawa HS) ranked fourth in Division III in defense allowing just eight goals over 20 games, 17 as a starter. He was seventh nationally in save percentage (.889).

Seven Hope Players Named All-MIAA (11/11/09)
Seven members of the men's soccer team have been awarded all-conference honors by the MIAA.

Named to the All-MIAA first team are senior midfielder Saab Schwiebert of Chelsea (Chelsea HS), sophomore defender Shaun Groetsema of Augusta (Galesburg-Augusta HS), and senior defender John Herbert of Culver, Ind. (Culver Academies). Schwiebert was honored for the second time.

Named to the All-MIAA second team are sophomore goalkeeper Logan Neil of Holland (West Ottawa HS), freshman forward Jeff Ekdom of Holland (Holland Christian HS), senior midfielder Justin Bailey of Portage (Portage Northern HS), and senior midfielder Chris Harrison of Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata HS).

The Flying Dutchmen, coached by Steve Smith, finished second in the MIAA standngs, just one point behind league champion Calvin. The team was 9-2-3 in conference games and 13-4-3 overall.

Flying Dutchmen Bow to Rival Calvin (11/7/09)
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Hope's bid for an MIAA championship was spoiled by rival Calvin Saturday as the host Knights edged the Flying Dutchmen 1-0 to gain an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. Playing their ninth 1-0 decision of the season, coach Steve Smith's Dutchmen must now wait until Sunday night to see if they receive an at-large berth to the post-season tournament. Calvin got the decisive goal in the sixth minute of the game to avenge an earlier 1-0 loss at Hope. The Flying Dutchmen ended 9-2-3 in conference games and are 13-4-3 overall.

Tie Forces Title Showdown on Saturday
Box Score
The men's soccer championship of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) will come down to the final game of the season when rivals Hope and Calvin meet on Saturday.

The Flying Dutchmen missed an opportunity to clinch an outright MIAA title Wednesday when they played Olivet to a scoreless tie. Calvin, meanwhile, edged Trine 3-2. With a 9-1-3 league record, Hope has 30 points to top the standings while Calvin has 28 points behind a 9-3-1 mark.

With three points awarded for a win and one point for a tie, Hope will need a win or tie to clinch the championship while Calvin would still have a chance to repeat as champion with a win.

Saturday's game has been moved to the Grand Rapids Christian High School because of poor field conditions at Calvin. It will begin at 2:30 p.m. Hope edged Calvin 1-0 earlier this season.

The Olivet Comets proved to be Hope's season nemesis. Hope's only loss at its new Van Andel Stadium came at the hands of Olivet 1-0. On Wednesday the Flying Dutchmen outshot the host Comets 23-10 and owned a 12-1 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Logan Neil was credited with four saves in recording the team's 11th shutout. Hope is 13-3-3 overall.

Flying Dutchmen Expand Lead in MIAA Race (10/31/09)
Box Score
The Flying Dutchmen expanded their lead in the MIAA race by defeating visiting Adrian Saturday night 6-0. Hope's win, combined with a loss by rival Calvin, expands Hope's lead in the confrerence race heading into the final week of the regular season to four points. Hope is 9-1-2 for 29 points while Calvin, after losing to Kalamazoo 3-0, for 25 points behind an 8-3-1 record.

The challenge for Hope will be playing its final two regular season games on the road, beginning Wednesday at Olivet and next Saturday at Calvin. The Flying Dutchmen are 13-3-2 overall with a 5-1-1 record at the new Van Andel Stadium.

Leading 1-0 at halftime, the Flying Dutchmen exploded for five goals after intermission. Hope scored 13 goals in their last three games after scoring nine over their previous 10 games. Earlier this season Adrian battled Hope to a 1-1 draw.

Scoring two goals apiece were David Whitaker (3rd-4th of season) and Saab Schwiebert (5th-6th). Also scoring were Ben Rosema (5th) Scott Howard (#1).

Goalkeepers Logan Neil and Andrew Goorhouse combined for the shutout. Hope held a 25-8 advantage in shots.

Flying Dutchmen Win Another Close Game (10/27/09)
Box Score
The Flying Dutchmen scored a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over host Alma on Tuesday and in doing so moved into first place in the MIAA standings. The Hope win was coupled with Calvin's 3-2 loss to Albion. Hope tops the standings at 8-1-2 for 26 points while Calvin is 8-2-1 for 25 points.

The path to the winning goal in the 75th minute came on an unusual play. Hope sophomore goalkeeper Logan Neil cleared the ball with a punt that went the length of the field, bounced once in the Alma box and was kicked into the goal by junior reserve midfielder Andrew Nichols. The goal was Nichols' first of the season.

The teams were scoreless at halftime. Alma went ahead in the 65th minute, but Hope quickly responded two minutes later on freshman Jeff Stusick's second goal of the year off an assist from Sam Joyce. Hope held a 15-10 advantage in shots. Neil was credited with two saves.

It marked the 10th time this season that a game has been decided by a single goal with Hope holding a 7-3 edge. The Flying Dutchmen are 12-3-2 overall.

Offensive Explosion Leads to Hope Victory (10/24/09)
Box Score
After taking seven of their previous games to accumulate five goals, Hope's offense came alive Saturday with a season-high scoring performance. Hope led 4-0 at halftime and held a 15-10 shot advantage. Scoring twice was freshman Jeff Ekdom while adding one each were Ben Rosema, Same Joyce and Saab Schwiebert.

Flying Dutchmen Record 10th Shutout (10/21/09)
Box Score
Outstanding defense continued to save the Flying Dutchmen who for the eighth time this season were involved in a 1-0 game on Wednesday. It ended in victory as coach Steve Smith's Dutchmen recorded their tenth shutout to keep pace with MIAA frontrunner Calvin. The Knights have 22 points (7-1-1) to top the MIAA standings while Hope has 21 points (6-1-2). Hope is 6-2 in 1-0 decisions.

Hope's defense has limited opponents to just eight goals over 15 games, but the offense has failed to generate more than one goal in ten games. The win puts Hope at 10-3-2 on the season, marking the 11th straight year that the Flying Dutchmen have won 10-or-more games. It is also the 19th time in 20 years under coach Steve Smith that Hope has posted double-digit wins.

Wednesday's lone goal came as the first half wound down with senior Ben Rosema scoring his third of the season off an assist from Jeff Stusick. Goalkeeper Logan Neil received credit for his eighth shutout behind four saves. Hope held a 40-13 advantage in shots.

Soccer Extravaganza Celebrates New Stadium (10/17/09)
Box Score
Soccer fans came to Hope's new Van Andel Soccer Stadium in droves Saturday to celebrate a new community sports landmark. Several hundred young soccer players scurried about the playing surface throughout the day participating in scrimmages and enjoying workshops led by guest professional players. A record crowd for a home women's soccer game saw the Flying Dutch post their first Van Andel field victory, a 3-0 shutout of Trine. The dedication ceremony was highlighted by an appreciative recognition of lead donors Carol and David Van Andel. An estimated 2,000 hotdogs were devoured at a community picnic. A standing-room-only record crowd of more than 1,500 fans watched a classic Hope/Kalamazoo men's soccer game that ended in a scoreless, double-overtime tie. And the celebration ended with a spectacular fireworks show over the Buys Athletic Fields complex.

Flying Dutchmen Defeat Calvin Before Huge Crowd (10/13/09)
Box Score
The Hope/Calvin men's soccer rivalry was inaugurated at Van Andel Stadium in grand style Tuesday night as the Flying Dutchmen gained a 1-0 double overtime victory before a capacity crowd of 1,400 fans.

Coach Steven Smith's Dutchmen moved into a tie with their rival for first place in the MIAA race. Midway through the conference season, both teams are 5-1-1. Hope, playing its seventh 1-0 game this season, improved to 9-3-1 overall.

The game's only goal came in the 106th minute by freshman Jeff Ekdom (pictured) off a corner kick assist by Justin Bailey. Both teams had their chances during regulation and the first overtime but the outstanding goal-keeping of Logan Neil of Hope and Jared Rushlau of Calvin kept the zeroes on the scoreboard until Ekdom game-ending success. Calvin held a 21-10 in shots with most of the margin coming in the first half (12-3). The game was very physical with one red and seven yellow cards issued. Neil was credited with 11 saves as the Flying Dutchmen gained their eighth shutout of the season.

Flying Dutchmen Suffer First MIAA Loss (10/10/09)
Box Score
The Flying Dutchmen suffered both their first conference loss and first defeat at the new Van Andel Stadium on Saturday bowing to Olivet 1-0 before a large Homecoming crowd of nearly 1,000 fans. The Flying Dutchmen were involved in their sixth 1-0 decision of the season. The loss drops Hope (4-1-1) into second place in the MIAA standings behind rival Calvin (5-0-1). Hope is 8-3-1 overall. Hope outshot Olivet 13-3.

Flying Dutchmen Settle for Tie at Adrian (10/6/09)
Box Score
The Flying Dutchmen lost sole possession of first place in the MIAA race Wednesday night when they played host Adrian to a 1-1 tie. The draw puts Hope and rival Calvin in a tie for first place in the MIAA standings at 4-0-1. Calvin's tie was a scoreless draw with Adrian. Hope is 8-2-1 overall.

The host Bulldogs scored first in the 18th minute. John Herbert's header in the 54th minute tied the score. The teams finished out 110 minutes of play without either scoring again. Hope ended with a 27-15 advantage in shots and 11-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Flying Dutchmen Win Another Nail-Biter (10/3/09)
Box Score
The Flying Dutchmen are becoming known as the Cardiac Kids after winning 1-0 for the fourth time in their lasst five games. This time the victim was visiting Alma who bowed 1-0 to the MIAA leading Flying Dutchmen in the first day game at the new Van Andel Stadium.

The game's lone goal was scored by senior co-captain Saab Schwiebert just nine minutes into the game with an assist credited to another senior co-captain, Chris Harrison. Hope held a 20-5 advantage in shots.

Goalkeeper Logan Neil received credit for Hope's seventh shutout win of the season. The Flying Dutchmen are 8-2 overall and 4-0 in the MIAA. Hope's last seven games have each been decided by one goal.

Flying Dutchmen Win Van Andel Debut (9/29/09)
Box Score
Photo Gallery from Opening Night at Van Andel
The Flying Dutchmen celebrated the opening of Hope's new Van Andel Soccer Stadium in a grand way Tuesday night edging Albion 1-0 before more than 650 fans.

Coach Steve Smith's Dutchmen gained sole possession of first place in the MIAA race with their fourth straight win. Three of those wins have been by a 1-0 score. Hope is 3-0 the MIAA and 7-2 overall.

The game's only goal came with 10:42 left in the second half. Junior Jeff Stusick kicked the way off an assist from Shaun Groetsema. It was Stusick first goal of the season. Hope held an 18-8 advantage in shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Logan Neil received credited for the team's sixth shutout win of the season behind three saves.

Dutchmen Rally to Stay Unbeaten in MIAA (9/26/09)
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The Flying Dutchmen needed a come-from-behind effort to gain a 2-1 victory over host Trine on Saturday. The victory keeps coach Steve Smith's Dutchmen undefeated in the MIAA (2-0) and 6-2 on the season. Trine led 1-0 at halftime. Hope didn't get on the board until the 61st minute when Chris Harrison scored his first goal of the season off assists from Mitch Kinner and Shaun Groetsema. The game-winner came in the 76th minute by John Herbert assisted by Justin Bailey. Hop held a narrowe 19-18 advantage in shots. Goalkeeper Logan Neil was credited with three saves.

Flying Dutchmen Open MIAA Play With Win (9/23/09)
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The Flying Dutchmen opened conference play on the road Wednesday by edging Kalamazoo 1-0. It was the second straight 1-0 victory for the Flying Dutchmen and fourth consecutive one-goal decision. Coach Steve Smith's Dutchmen are 5-2 overall. The game's loan goal was ascored by freshman Jeff Ekdom with two minutes left in the first half with an assist credited to David Whitaker. Goalkeeper Logan Neil was credited with the shutout behind two saves. Hope held a 22-8 advantage in shots.

Flying Dutchmen Win Another Nailbiter (9/19/09)
Box Score
The Flying Dutchmen played their third consecutive one-goal game against a ranked team Saturday night and came out on top with a 1-0 decision over North Park in Chicago. Coach Steve Smith's Dutchmen end the non-league portion of their schedule with a 4-2 record and will begin conference play at Kalamazoo on Wednesday. The game's lone goal was scored by senior Ben Rosema in 68th minutes off an assist from Mitch Kinner. Goalkeeper Logan Neil received credit for the shutout making six saves.

Hope's second straight loss was a heartbreaker. The Flying Dutch were leading 2-1 when Elmhurst scored off a corner kick with just 23 seconds remaining in regulation play. Elmhurst got the game-winner three minutes into overtime when Matt Sterner scored unassisted.

The teams exchanged goals in the first half. Hope's goal was scored by Jeff Ekdom assisted by David Whitaker. The Flying Dutchmen gained a 2-1 lead when Gabe Courey scored in the 76th minutes assisted by Andrew Abe. Hope held a 19-13 advantage in shots.

The Flying Dutchmen stand 3-2 on the season and will play their next three games on the road.

Hope teams Suffer First Losses of Season (9/12/09)
Men's Box / Women's Box
Both Hope soccer teams suffered their first defeat of the season and were victims of shutouts on their home field Saturday. The Flying Dutch were blanked by nationally ranked Denison 4-0 while the Flying Dutchmen were edged by perennial power Wheaton 1-0. Both Hope teams are 3-1 on the season.

Both Hope Teams Win to Remain Unbeaten
Flying Dutchmen 3, Kenyon 0
Flying Dutch 3, Kenyon 1
Both Hope soccer teams remained undefeated by posting home field victories on Friday over Kenyon, Ohio.

Flying Dutch -- Freshmen scored all of Hope's goals as the Flying Dutch improved to 3-0. Alyson Epolito (East Lansing) scored the first of her collegiate career while Tricia Bajema (Grandville) scored twice to raise her season total to five. Assists were credited to junior Lauren Miller (San Diego, Calif.), freshman Lindsay Jipping (Jenison), and freshman Rachel Doud (Rockford). Goalkeeper Kelsey Bos (Holland) was credited with seven saves as Hope held an 18-16 advantage in shots. The Flying Dutch will be back in action Saturday hosting Denison, Ohio.

Flying Dutchmen -- The Flying Dutchmen won their third consecutive game by shutout on the first day of the Bergsma Memorial Tournament. In the tournament's other game Calvin edged Wheaton 2-1. Hope will host Wheaton on Saturday. Three players scored their first goal of the season -- senior John Herbert (Culver, Ind.), sophomore Mitch Kinner (Kalamazoo), and senior Ben Rosema (Spring Lake). Each team had eight shots. Hope goalkeepers Logan Neil (Holland) and Andrew Goorhouse (Caledonia) split time in the net.

Soccer Teams Sweep Opponents (9/5/09)
Hope soccer fans were treated to an abundance of playing excellence on Labor Day weekend as both the Flying Dutch and Flying Dutchmen posted a pair of home victories. The Flying Dutchmen posted a pair of shutout victories blanking Goshen, Ind. 3-0 and regionally ranked Wilmington 2-0. The Flying Dutch topped UM-Dearborn 8-0 and edged Elmhurst, Ill. 4-3.
WOMEN'S SUMMARY
Flying Dutch 8, UM-Dearborn 0 -- Sophomore Danielle Petzak scored four goals in the game's first 18 minutes to match the Hope single-game scoring record, but it won't go into the recordbook because women's soccer at UM-Dearborn is a club sport. Lauren Miller scored two goals while adding one apiece were freshmen Lindsey Jipping and Tricia Bajema. Hope outshot UM-Dearborn 40-2 with goalkeepers Kelsey Bos and Megan Alteiri sharing the shutout.
Flying Dutch 4, Elmhurst 3 -- Freshman Tricia Bajema figured into all of Hope's goals as she scored three and assisted on the fourth. She scored the game-winner with three minutes left in the game off a corner kick from Rachel Doud. Hope held an 18-16 edge in shots on goal. Goalkeeper Kelsey Bos was credited with 10 saves. box

MEN'S SUMMARY
Flying Dutchmen 3, Goshen 0 -- Two of Hope's three goals came on penalty kicks as the teams engaged in a defensive battle. Hope had just five shots at goal while Goshen had none. Scoring on penalty kicks were Justin Bailey and Saab Schiebert. The goal was scored by David Whitaker. Hope goalkeepers Logan Neil and Andrew Goorhouse shared the shutout. box
Flying Dutchmen 2, Wilmington 0 -- The Flying Dutchmen scored a goal in each half while goalkeepers Andrew Goorhouse and Logan Neil split time in gaining their second straight shutout. Sophomore David Whitaker scored in the first half and then assisted on Saab Schwiebert's second half goal. box

Construction is underway on a new stadium to serve the Hope College soccer program and Holland-area sports and recreation community.

The Van Andel Stadium is located on the site of the college's existing soccer fields along Fairbanks Ave. near 11th Street. It has been designed to compliment the college's nearby Wolters softball and Boeve baseball stadiums and De Vos Fieldhouse which have all opened over the past four years.

The stadium will accommodate an estimated 1,400 fans in stadium-style and bleacher seating. There will be accompanying terrace areas for picnicking and tailgating. There will be a concession stand, public restrooms, a first aid/training room, two full locker rooms for Hope's teams, a meeting room for visiting teams, a ticket booth and a press box. The field surface will be of artificial turf and there will be stadium lighting for night contests.

The project is scheduled for completion in time for a dedication tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 when both Hope soccer teams have a home game.

At some point in their season, coach Steve Smith’s Flying Dutchmen will begin playing in the new $4 million Van Andel Soccer Stadium which is destined to become one of Division III’s premier pitches. The stadium will feature seating for 1,500 fans who will watch games played on artificial turf. The stadium is equipped with lights for night games and amenities such as lockerrooms for Hope’s teams, a pressbox and concession stand. The official stadium dedication is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17.

As a prelude to the season, the Flying Dutchmen travelled to Ireland the first week in August for training, competition and service. It is the fourth European trip for the Flying Dutchmen. In 2005 the team came back to win the championship of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

The Flying Dutchman had a banner season in 2008 posting an overall 14-2-4 record, but had to settle for second place in the MIAA. Through eight seasons of the new millennium the Flying Dutchmen have won more than 80% of their games (131-36-12) with four conference championships and four appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Coach Smith begins his 20th season at helm of the men’s soccer program. He ranks among the winningest NCAA Division III coaches with a career record of 265-6-28.

The pre-season roster includes 19 returning letterwinners. Senior co-captains of the team are Chris Harrison of Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata HS), John Herbert of Culver, Ind. (Culver Academies), Ausable Schwiebert of Chelsea (Chelsea HS), and John Turner of East Kentwood (East Kentwood HS).

Three returning midfielders received All-MIAA honors in 2008. Schwiebert was a first team honoree while Harrison and senior Kevin Bartosek of Traverse City (Traverse City West HS) were named to the second team.

Other returning letterwinners include sophomore Andrew Abe of Naperville, Ill. (Naperville North HS), sophomore Paul Austin of Grandville (Grandville HS), senior Justin Bailey of Portage (Portage Northern HS), junior Ross Bailey of Ogden Dunes, Ind. (Portage HS), junior Riley Byrnes of Michigan City, Ind. (Michigan City HS), junior Ryan Cotter of Zeeland (Zeeland East HS), senior Gabe Courey of Holland (Holland HS), junior Andrew Goorhouse of Caledonia (East Kentwood HS), sophomore Shaun Groetsema of Augusta (Galesburg-Augusta HS), sophomore Mitch Kinner of Kalamazoo (Portage Northern HS), sophomore Logan Neil of Holland (West Ottawa HS), junior Andrew Nichols of Traverse City (Traverse City West HS), senior Ben Rosema of Spring Lake (Spring Lake HS), junior Jeffrey Stusick of Stevensville (Lakeshore HS), and junior Aaron Van Andel of Ada (Grand Rapids Christian HS).