Box Score ALBION, Mich. – Coach Jerry Block implored his Albion College men's soccer players to focus on a positive finish to the season minutes after Alma College handed the Britons a 1-0 setback at Alumni Field.
The margin in Albion's last three contests – all losses – has been one goal, and the Britons have been on the short end of five one-goal contests in league play. The Britons, 3-6 against league rivals, fell six points behind fourth-place Olivet College on the league table.
Albion struggled to win 50/50 balls and to log much possession time in the first half. As a result, Albion generated only two shots in the first 45 minutes and none of those were on goal.
Block challenged the Britons at halftime, and they responded with a couple of dangerous scoring chances. Steven Lockhart set up Albion's best chance with a pass that set up Kyle Alsheskie with Albion's first shot on goal in the 56th minute. Alsheskie finished with two shots on goal and Mike Tolkacz also placed a shot on goal.
Alma had Zach Haapala, making his second career start at goalkeeper for Albion, on the run all day. Jon Buitenhuis got on the tally sheet for the first time this season with his goal with 10:41 left in regulation. Haapla finished with three saves and he also received help from the back line on one save credited to the team.
Albion will play its next two contests at home, starting with a 2:30 p.m. Saturday game against Kalamazoo College.
