Box Score Utica, NY (11/2/13)- The Utica College men's soccer team downed conference rival, Elmira College 2-1 in a thrilling Empire 8 Conference match up Saturday night at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. With the win, the Pioneers lock up the number two seed in the conference tournament and will host a first round game at home on Wednesday against Ithaca College.

UC jumped out to an early lead in the third minute as senior Kevin McAllister (Boxford, MA/Masconomet Regional) put in a rebound off the post for his team-leading seventh goal of the season. Classmate Jonathon Peterson (Bedford, NH/New Hampton) added to the Utica lead in the final minute of the first half off a great individual effort. Peterson played the ball to himself to get around one defender, then played a ball under the arm of the Elmira keeper for his fourth of the season.

Senior Anthony Caruso (Easton, CT/Joel Barlow) was rock solid in net for the Pioneers, making a number of good saves from point blank to keep the Soaring Eagles scoreless. Elmira was able to find the back of the net however, with 1:53 left to play as Ryan Limero fired a long shot from 23 yards out that found its way just inside the left post. It was not enough, however, as the Utica defense shut down the opposition, not allowing the ball past midfield the rest of the game.

Caruso made five saves, while his counterpart, Nick Lapinski, had four stops. UC will make its first trip to the Empire 8 Tournament since 2010.