Box Score Nazareth 2, Utica 1 - Box Score

Utica, N.Y. (9/17/2011) – Sophomore Simon Moundson headed home the game-winner with 1:24 left in regulation to lift the Nazareth College men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over host Utica College in Empire 8 Conference play Saturday night. Sophomore forward Jonathon Peterson (Bedford, NH/New Hampton) netted the lone goal of the contest for the Pioneers, following a free kick into the box from senior captain Jonathan Wood (Derry, NH/Pinkerton). 

The Pioneers' (3-2, 0-1 E8) only two losses of the season have come by one goal each and UC outshot Naz 15-10 on the evening.  Nazareth (4-1, 1-0 E8) has now won its last two games and it has defeated Utica by just one goal in four straight meetings dating back to 2008. 

Following a scoreless first half, that saw the Pioneers outshoot the visitors 9-3, Naz's James Wheeler drilled home a loose ball in front of the net to put the Golden Flyers on top 1-0 in the 65th minute.  The first goal of the contest came after a long throw in by senior midfielder Rikesh Lad was touched in the box by a Pioneer defender before slipping out right to Wheeler, who connected on his second goal of the year. 

UC answered back just under 15 minutes later when Peterson chested in a swopping free kick into the box from Wood to knot the score at 1-1 in the 80th minute. 

Moundson's goal with less than 1:30 to go in regulation just barely got past the outstretched hands of UC goalie Anthony Caruso (Easton, CT/Joel Barlow).  Liam Connolly was credited with an assist on the game's final goal after Wheeler played a short corner kick to Connolly.  Connolly's ball was sent to the back post, where it was finally finished by Moundson. 

Caruso stopped three shots on the day for UC, while Kyle Connolly made five saves in net for the Golden Flyers. 

UC will not have much time to reflect as they return to the pitch on Sunday for its fifth home contest of the year.  The Pioneers will square off against non conference foe Elms College at 4 p.m.  Fans who cannot make it out to the contest can follow all the action through live video and stats at www.ucpioneers.com.   Fans can also watch live streaming video of the contest on their IPhone or Droid mobile phone at http://m.empire8.tv/. 

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