The Utica College men's soccer team (3-4) battled hard the entire contest but Nazareth's (4-4) free kick goal from 15 yards out into the top right corner in the 76th minute proved to be enough as the Golden Flyers defeated the Pioneers 1-0 in the Empire 8 Conference opener for both squads Friday night at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. With the loss the Pioneers snapped a two game winning streak and junior goalie Kevin Murphy (West Islip, NY), who stopped eight shots against Nazareth, and the Pioneer defensive unit have surrendered only two goals over the course of the last four games.

Junior midfielder Rikesh Kotak (Leicester, England) scored the game-winner for Nazareth off a free kick at 76:39.  He wrapped the lone goal of the night around a Utica wall and into the top right corner. 

The Pioneers played tough defense all night but unfortunately could not find the back of the net when the opportunity arose.  UC had three corner kick opportunities, all in the second half, but was unable to convert as the Golden Flyers stole the victory with under 14 minutes to go in the contest. 

The Pioneers return to action Wednesday when they travel to RPI to take on the Engineers in non conference play.  The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Nazareth will travel right back to Utica to take on the Wildcats of SUNYIT on Tuesday night at 4 p.m.

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