Behind a trio of first-half goals, the eighth-ranked Hope Flying Dutchman handed the Denison men's soccer team a 3-1 loss on Saturday afternoon at Van Andel Stadium in Holland, Mich.

After playing 24 minutes of scoreless soccer, the high-powered Hope offense struck twice in 48 seconds to quickly build a 2-0 lead. Cameron Dice broke the scoreless tie with his fourth goal of the season from 25 yards out.  The Flying Dutchmen wasted no time tacking on an insurance goal in the 26th minute when Andreas Slette found Josh Hagene for his team-leading fifth goal of the year.

Slette got into the scoring column in the 38th minute with an unassisted tally. After a shot by Preston Jaenichen hit the crossbar, Slette converted the rebound into his first goal of the season. Denison looked to swing the momentum in its favor in the 44th minute when senior Andrew Stewart scored the first goal of his collegiate career from seven yards out.

Hope held a 10-5 advantage in shots at the intermission. The Big Red defense stabilized in the second period, allowing just two shots to the home team. The DU offense attempted five shots, with just two finding their way on frame. Denison also earned eight corners in the second half.

Junior Ryan Fine registered a team-best three shots, while Stewart had two shots and DU's lone goal. Junior goalie Blake Schach suffered the loss after making four saves and allowing three goals in 45 minutes. Freshman Jack Thomas played all 45 minutes in the second half.

Hagene finished with five shots and a goal, while Slette recorded a goal and an assist. Hope keeper Ethan Beswick improved to 5-1 on the year after making three saves between the pipes.

Denison falls to 2-2-1 on the year, while the Flying Dutchmen improved to 5-1. The Big Red returns to the pitch on Tuesday (Sept. 16) when they take on their second-consecutive nationally-ranked opponent. Denison will play host to 23rd-ranked Thomas More at 7 p.m.