CHICAGO – The University of Chicago men's soccer team dictated the action on Wednesday evening and came away with a signature 2-0 victory against No. 3-ranked Calvin University.

The Maroons improved to 6-2-1 and the Knights fell to 7-2-2.

Coming off a pair of final-minute losses, UChicago looked composed and decisive from the start of the match on the Stagg Field turf. With Calvin's players buzzing around constantly looking to intercept passes and create counterattacks, the Maroons made quick, sound decisions with the ball and kept it moving. The home side made multiple forays into Calvin's final third during the first half and created corner kick opportunities. One close call came in the 31st minute. After a corner kick was cleared out of the box, junior Kameron Bloye pounced on the loose ball and sent a spinning chip shot that was saved right at the crossbar.

UChicago maintained possession consistently all evening and kept Calvin from finding any real rhythm offensively when the Knights did have the ball. Both teams played fast and with intensity throughout.

The minutes were ticking down in the opening half when the Maroons were given a golden opportunity. Bloye was pulled down from behind at the edge of the box, setting up a free kick from prime position. Senior Vicente Mateus went on goal with his attempt, which was saved by the diving goalkeeper. However, junior Richard Gillespie was right there to pounce on the rebound and score point blank.

With the 1-0 advantage in hand, UChicago continued its control of the contest in the second half. First-year Lyndon Hu stood out on both sides of the ball – the midfielder was able to use fancy footwork to keep the ball, as well as successfully contest Calvin's forward movements up the middle of the pitch.

The Knights pressed hard for an equalizer over the final 15 minutes as 50/50 balls became commonplace. But the dagger was ultimately delivered in the 85th minute. A Calvin corner kick was cleared out and immediately turned into a Maroon counter. The initial charge was stymied. But fifth-year senior Ben Brandt rolled up on a loose ball in space and unleashed a left-footed shot between three defenders that squirted through the hands of the goalkeeper and into the net.

Calvin entered the contest ranked second nationally with 4.1 goals per game. But the Maroons shutdown the attack with help defenders and quality clearances. It marked UChicago's fourth shutout of the season.

The final stats saw the Maroons own a 13-4 shots advantage as well as a 7-3 corner kicks edge. Senior goalkeeper Calvin Walters (4-2-1 record) made one save in his 90 minutes of action.

NEXT GAME:

• Saturday, Oct. 2 @ 1:30 PM (ET) – UChicago at Emory University