Box Score Utica, NY (10/20/12)- The Utica College men's soccer team won its third straight game Saturday as it downed Empire 8 opponent Alfred University, 7-0.  Junior Shane Ruffing (Rochester, NY/Westborough) led the way with two goals and two assists on the afternoon.

The Pioneers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as just 35 seconds into the game, Jeff Cupka netted his third of the season.  Ruffing carried a ball down the right side and centered a ball to Cupka who redirected it passed Alfred goalie Jacob Bird. 

Junior Jonathon Peterson (Bedford, NH/New Hampton) added a goal for the Pioneers in the 24th minute as Ruffing picked up his second helper of the day.  Ruffing played a through two Saxon defenders to spring Peterson in alone from 20 yards out.  As Bird came out to challenge, Peterson flipped a ball over him and into the back of the net to put UC up by two.

Nine minutes later freshman Greg Silvestro (West Sayville, NY/Connetquot) scored his second of the season off a corner kick from sophomore Chris Stashko (Apalachin, NY/Apalachin).
Stashko netted a goal of his own just before halftime as he ran in uncontested and flipped a ball over Bird.  Senior Daniel Garcia (Fairport, NY/Fairport) assisted on the tally.

Ruffing and Cupka connected again just 45 seconds into the second half, this time with Ruffing getting the score.  Ruffing picked up Cupka's pass at the top of the box and played a ball inside the near post to put UC up 5-0.

Ruffing scored again just five minutes later as he found himself alone in front of the net and tapped a ball in.  Junior Kevin McAllister (Boxford, MA/Masconomet Regional) assisted on the tally. 

Freshman Jordan Senay (Lockport, NY/Lockport) capped off the scoring in the 83rd minute as classmate Brett Kaplan (Glenmont, NY/Bethlehem) ran down the right side and centered a ball into the box.  Alfred goalie William Badger tipped it but the rebound went right to Senay who put away his second of the season.

Utica goalkeeper Anthony Caruso (Easton, CT/Joel Barlow) tallied three saves in almost 62 minutes of work, before sophomore David Abdou (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) stepped in to finished the game.  Abdou also registered three saves on the day.

Utica improves to 7-7-1 on the season and 2-3 in the Empire 8, while Alfred drops to 4-12 overall and 0-6 in the E8.
The Pioneers return to action Tuesday as they host cross-town rival, Hamilton College.  Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.


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