UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team outlasted the Hartwick College Hawks 1-0 on Wednesday night.
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During the first half, Utica was extremely aggressive as the team fired off 13 shots. The team had great vision and playmaking and forced the Hartwick goalkeeper into six tough saves. In the sixth minute,
Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) fired a strike to the left of the net, yet was denied by a fantastic save. Just five minutes later,
Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) rifled a shot that was destined for the back of the net, and yet another fantastic save by the Hartwick goalkeeper kept the Pioneers off the board. Utica would keep pressing all half and out-shot Hartwick 13-6.
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The Pioneers continued to press the gas and keep the ball in the attacking zone. In the 46th minute, Baker-Green and
Brady Barnard (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) both registered fine shots on goal yet the ball was cleared. Utica regained possession and a beautiful cross sent the ball bouncing in the box where
Nicholas Theimer (Flagstaff, AZ/Flagstaff) was able to find the back of the net for his second goal this season. The Pioneers continued to attack and control possession as they did not allow a Hartwick shot until the 74th minute where
Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) made a terrific save in which he leaped and poked the ball over the bar and out of play.Â
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Utica played wonderfully on the night and its high-powered offense was on full display. The team had five players register more than three shots as Baker-Green, Mugushu,
Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast ),
Brandon Pender (Brooklyn, NY/Xaverian), and
Orin Williams (Mt. Vernon, NY/Sacred Heart) all were attacking. Theimer was able to make the most of his shooting as he found the back of the net in his one shot. In net, Xidias recorded a shutout paired with three saves, and the Pioneer defense was terrific allowing just three shots on goal.
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Utica (6-4-1, 3-1-1 in Empire 8) will continue Empire 8 play as the team travels to face Elmira on Saturday at 2 p.m.
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