Utica, NY -- The Utica College men's soccer team is returning home this Saturday to face Alfred University for its first Empire 8 conference match of the season. The game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 

Last Time Out: The Pioneers (2-3-1) are coming off a 0-0 draw against SUNY Canton on the road Wednesday. Junior Jonathan Side (Plattsburgh, NY/Plattsburgh) had a great performance as goalkeeper, making 10 saves in his efforts to protect the net on 11 shots faced.


Players in the Ranks: Senior Julian Fonseca (Rocky Hill, CT/Bridgton) currently leads the team and the Empire 8 conference for most goals scored with four. Junior Thomas Muller (Camillus, NY/Bishop Ludden) leads the team with two assists and is seventh in the Empire 8. Side is leading the Empire 8 with 35 saves and ranks third in goals against average (1.274 per game).
 

Scouting Alfred University: The Saxons are currently 1-5 this season, coming off a 3-1 win over the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford last Wednesday. Senior Cody Cronmiller, freshmen Michael Villafane and Gavin Harrington all scored a goal to lead Alfred to its first win of the season. Alfred University has given up 32 goals already this season, ranking last in goals allowed among Empire 8 competitors.


Looking Ahead: The Pioneers will face St. John Fisher for more Empire 8 action on Saturday, September 22nd at home. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.