Delhi, NY - Backed by an early 1st period goal and strong defense, the Utica College men's soccer team defeated SUNY Delhi 1-0 on the road in the team's season opener. 

UC took early control of the game, attempting the first seven shots of the game over the first 22 minutes. After three missed attempts to start the game, Brady Maloney (Ellisburg, NY/Bellville Henderson) found the back of the net at the 22:41 mark to give the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage. 

Utica finished the first half with an 18-1 shot advantage over the Broncos while goalkeeper Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) ended the clean first with one save. 

Although the Delhi defense responded throughout the remainder of the game, Utica kept control during the second half by attempting the first four shots while allowing the Broncos offense to none through the first 15 minutes. Delhi found some momentum towards the end of the half however,  Xidias, who finished with four saves, held off some late attempts made by Delhi to preserve the 1-0 Utica win

The Pioneers finished with 28 shots, 13 of which on goal, including seven shots off the foot of Ramazani Juma (Utica, NY/Proctor) and Maloney. Patrick Hynes (Glenmont, NY/Bethlehem) and Colin McCarthy (Vestal, NY/Vestal) were each a large presence on defense. 

UC (1-0) will travel to Oswego this weekend for the Oswego St. Tournament where they will play against Skidmore College on Saturday and Oswego St. on Sunday. Both games are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.