UTICA, NY- The Utica College men's soccer team picked up its first Empire 8 Conference win of the season Friday as it downed visiting Alfred University 2-1.
 
Both teams struggled against the elements in the first half as the strong winds made it tough to connect long passes.  The game remained scoreless through the first 45 minutes of play. 
 
Utica broke the deadlock in the 61^st minute when Colin McCarthy (Vestal, NY/Vestal) put in his first of the year off an assist from Ramazani Juma (Utica, NY/Proctor).  Utica was awarded a free kick just outside the top right corner of the box.  Juma played the ball in that the keeper could not get a hold of and McCarthy was there to jam in the rebound.
 
Alfred responded just two and a half minutes later as Jesus Macias capitalized on a broken play and netted his first of the year.
 
Utica regained the lead in the 69^th minute when Sory Konate (Harlem, NY/Forsyth Satellite Academy) put in his first of the year.    McCarthy played a great ball from the defensive half of the field that sprung Konate past the Alfred back line and in on goal by himself.  Konate played the ball past the keeper's outstretched arm and into the goal to give the Pioneers the 2-1 lead.
 
Utica keeper Randy Miksch (Lake Villa, IL/Warren Township) made four saves for his first win of the year, while Daniel Koenig had ten saves for the Saxons.
 
The Pioneers return to action on Monday as they host Russell Sage College.  Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.