Utica, NY - Sophomore midfielder Jahren James (River Vale, NJ/Pascack Valley) posted two goals Saturday afternoon, leading the Utica College men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Elmira to advance to 7-2-2 on the year.

An Adam Nichols goal in the fifth minute of the game gave Elmira an early 1-0 lead, which it would hold for the duration of the first half. The Pioneers bounced back in the early portions of the second half, when senior Thomas Muller (Camillus, NY/Bishop Ludden) found the back of the net off a centering pass from junior Patrick Hynes (Glenmont, NY/Bethlehem) to even the game at one.

James took the first lead of the game for the Pioneers 1:43 later, sneaking a goal in the top right corner on a free kick from 25 yards out.

Playing from behind for the first time all afternoon, Elmira responded in the 83rd minute when Nick Provost scored off of a corner kick to even the score once again at two.

Utica responded once again five minutes later, when James notched his second goal of the game to give the Pioneers a 3-2 lead that they would hold for the rest of the game.

This win slotted the Pioneers atop of the Empire 8 standings for the first time this season, and they will look to keep this top spot on Monday as they go on the road to face Purchase College at 6 p.m.