Adrian College soccer performed in by pricey errors in homecoming loss
ADRIAN – Moments earlier than the kickoff of Adrian College soccer’s homecoming recreation, each spectator inside Docking Stadium directed their gaze towards the press field. No, they weren’t trying on the dashing media members sitting comfortably having fun with their pregame rooster tenders.
Rather, they watched as members of the Misty Blues Skydiving workforce descended from the blue sky above to ship the official recreation ball to the sector.
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Their touchdown — clean as silk — was in stark distinction to the product the Bulldogs offered on the sector.
Adrian by no means discovered a rhythm, falling 17-12 to Calvin on Saturday, Oct. 3, in a recreation riddled with self-imposed errors. The Bulldogs had been penalized eight instances for a complete of 70 yards within the loss.
“We had a tough time getting the movement collectively,” head coach Joe Palka stated. “It’s simply undisciplined soccer offensively and we simply cannot tolerate it. We’re going to should take a tough have a look at that and that type of stuff’s going to should get cleaned up.”
More: Luke Stento’s three interceptions help Adrian overcome Ohio Northern in season opener
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How It Happened
Calvin opened the scoring after getting an early defensive cease. The Knights drove into Adrian territory and kicker Sal Ruffino transformed a 43-yard subject purpose.
The Bulldogs answered proper again.
On the fourth play of Adrian’s drive, quarterback Jake Wright discovered large receiver Braiden Whitaker on a deep shot throughout the center for a 58-yard landing. The Bulldogs took a 6-3 lead after the additional level was blocked.
Adrian College’s Braden Whitaker (16) and Riley Dunbar (8) rejoice a landing throughout a loss to Calvin on Oct. 3, 2026.
After two punts, Adrian used a goal-line stand to halt a 21-play Calvin drive that spanned nearly seven minutes and 94 yards. Despite forcing the turnover on downs, a three-and-out, adopted by a high quality punt return, once more set the Knights up in good subject place.
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With 29 seconds remaining within the first half, quarterback Thomas Vaccaro related with large receiver Luke Michmerhuizen for a 10-yard landing, giving Calvin a 10-6 halftime benefit.
The Bulldogs’ missed further level got here again to hang-out them within the third quarter. Trailing by 4 factors, Adrian elected to depart its offense on the sector on fourth-and-short within the pink zone. A deflected cross put an finish to a 14-play drive.
The Knights used the momentum from that cease to their benefit. Calvin responded with an 87-yard drive, capped off by a 37-yard landing cross to a wide-open Hunter Hogan, extending its result in 17-6.
Adrian minimize the deficit to 17-12 within the remaining minute, thanks to a different landing cross from Wright to Whitaker. The Knights recovered an onside kick try and seal the victory.
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Top Performers
Braiden Whitaker, WR, Adrian – Whitaker hauled in 11 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ receiver has recorded greater than 100 receiving yards in three of his final 4 video games.
Riley Dunbar, WR, Adrian – Dunbar snagged eight catches for 60 yards for the Bulldogs.
Thomas Vaccaro, QB, Calvin – Vaccaro went 23-for-37 passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns. The Knights’ sign caller additionally led the workforce in speeding with 70 yards on 11 carries.
Luke Michmerhuizen, WR, Calvin – The Knights’ large receiver completed with a team-high eight catches for 86 yards and a landing.
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Coach’s Thoughts
“I advised the workforce within the locker room that it isn’t going to get any simpler,” Palka stated. “You simply should hold combating. You should hold working every single day. The soccer gods are likely to stage issues out and hopefully one thing falls in our favor as we work to get higher and enhance on what we noticed in the present day.”
Up Next
Adrian falls to 2-3 (0-2 MIAA) on the season. The Bulldogs can be off subsequent week earlier than touring to Holland to face rival Hope on Oct. 17. Adrian’s subsequent house recreation can be on Oct. 24 in opposition to Trine.
Adrian College’s Braiden Whitaker seperates from Calvin’s Zaiden Chirco throughout the Bulldogs’ 17-12 loss on Oct. 3, 2026.
Contact sports activities editor Quinn Richards at [email protected]. Follow him on X, previously often called Twitter, at @Quinn_Richa.
This article initially appeared on The Daily Telegram: Adrian College football done in by costly mistakes in homecoming loss
