The Spartans' 2-1 decision over the Thunder closed their appearance at the two-day Trine University Ketner Classic with a split. Kalamazoo College of Michigan held off a strong charge from Coach Dave Good's team on Sept. 7 to win 1-0.

After facing a 1-0 deficit late in the opening frame due to a Trine goal, MU came out of the second half quickly with the equalizer just three minutes in. Senior forward Dian Radev (Burgas, Bulgaria), scoring his team-best second goal of the year, sent a strike just past Trine's keeper into the left side of the net. Sophomore midfielder/forward Austin Finley (Kokomo, Ind.) and senior midfielder/forward Cody Freels (Auburn, Ind.) combined for the game-winner in the 73rd with Finley sending a pass to Freels who converted the goal.

Senior goalkeeper Grant Noakes (LaPorte, Ind.) made Freels' score stand up, blanking the Thunder over the final 27 minutes for the win in net. His five-save outing was added to a five-save effort against the Hornets in the tournament's opening match.

Manchester University continues its current road stretch with another in-state rival visit to Huntington College Wednesday, Sept. 12. Match time at Huntington College soccer field is 5 p.m.

SPARTAN SHORTS: Radev's assist was his third and moved his point total to seven. He currently leads the Black and Gold in goals, assists, points and shots (14). … With his game-winner against Trine, Freels became the fourth Spartan to post a goal to date joining Radev, senior midfielder Carson McFadden (Elgin, Ill.) and senior midfielder/forward Andrew Gray (Anderson, Ind.).