CHICAGO – The University of Chicago men's soccer team defeated Hope College in a 3-0 triumph late Wednesday afternoon on the Stagg Field turf.

After climbing one spot to No. 3 in the national rankings this week, the Maroons improved to 6-0 while notching their fourth shutout. The Flying Dutchmen fell to 0-1-4.

Each of Wednesday's goals came on sparkling highlight-worthy plays. The Maroons drew first blood in the 19th minute after a long possession that began deep in their own territory. First-year Kai Walsh took control near the sideline and found junior Robbie Pino streaking down the middle of the field. From there, the former Southlake Carroll Dragon spun his way out from between two Hope defenders, shaking off the attempted trap. Pino raced away and put the ball out of the reach of the Hope keeper, good for his second goal of the season.

UChicago struck again later in the first half, this time off the foot of senior Kameron Bloye in the 32nd minute. Like Pino, Bloye showed tremendous dexterity in his ballhandling with a hard full-body stutter that got a crowd of Hope defenders and the goalie to overcommit to the right side of the goal. With a lane clear, Bloye sent the ball to the left for UChicago's second goal of the game and his first of the year.

In minute 79, the Maroons raked in goal number three. After pinning the Flying Dutchmen down by their own goal, sophomore Lyndon Hu sent a corner kick past the far goal post to senior Griffin Wada, who headed the ball back into traffic. First-year Ricky Kai got a piece of the ball before senior Richard Gillespie knocked it into the net with his own header.

The fourth home game of the year saw UChicago take 14 shots with six on goal, while Hope finished with eight shots. Junior goalkeeper Will Boyes (6-0 record) tied his season high with four saves while notching the shutout.

NEXT GAME:

• Saturday, Sept. 17 @ 3:00 PM – UChicago at Luther College