The Hope men’s soccer team upset fourth-ranked Wheaton (Ill.) College 2-1 on Saturday night in front of Van Andel Soccer Stadium crowd of 915.

A second-half goal from junior midfielder Tarwo Konbloa of Kentwood (East Kentwood HS) stood up for the Flying Dutchmen (2-1-1 overall) as they handed Wheaton its first loss in three matches this season.

Konbloa netted his first goal of the season in the 69^th minute off an assist from senior Grant Neil of Holland (West Ottawa).

Wheaton answered 3:38 later on Adam Blackman’s second goal of the season, but Hope did not relinquish the lead.

Sophomore back Michael Johns of Flushing (Flushing) cleared the ball headed perilously close to the Hope goal in the closing minutes.

Earlier in the second half, junior goalkeeper Will Morlock kicked away a Wheaton penalty kick with the score tied 1-1. Morlock finished with eight saves.

Hope took a 1-0 lead 8:03 into the first half when Wheaton mishandled a Neil throw-in for an own goal.

“They were threatening all the game long,” Hope coach Steven Smith said of the Thunder. “Our guys had the will to withstand it. We kept saying we had a will. It turned out to be prophetic. We had Will to stop a penalty kick. He had a couple of great saves. But the rest of the team had will, too.”

The Flying Dutchmen return to action on Thursday, Sept. 12, when they host Grace Bible College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

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