UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team beat the Elmira College Soaring Eagles 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. The win keeps the team in first place in the Empire 8 standings.
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The Pioneers started the first half quickly with two quick shots by
Orin Williams (Mt. Vernon, NY/Sacred Heart) and
Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) within the first five minutes. Just a minute later,
Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) fired a terrific shot but was saved by the Elmira goalie. Elmira switched the pace quickly and pressed up field to score in the 11th minute and grab a 1-0 lead in the contest. The game started to get a bit chippy as both teams received multiple fouls and Elmira was given a yellow card. Utica had a late push at the end of the half yet the score remained 1-0 Elmira.
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The Soaring Eagles pushed the pace starting the second half with five shots within the first fifteen minutes. The Pioneer defense held strong and was able to deflect a few shots and
Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) made a fine save to keep the game 1-0 Elmira. The game remained physical as both teams received plenty of fouls during the later stages of the game. In the 70th minute
Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast ) sent a scorching shot into the back of the net to even the score at 1-1. In the 80th minute Utica was pressing hard and got tripped up in the box to earn a penalty kick. Baker-Green was able to convert the penalty kick and give Utica a 2-1 advantage. Elmira pushed heavy and forced three late corners yet the Pioneer defense kept the Soaring Eagles off the board and won the match 2-1.
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Utica played physical and its offense shined as always. Baker-Green, Mugushu, and Nassberg all posted more than three shots while Baker-Green and Nassberg each recorded a goal. Xidias played terrific in net and tallied four saves. Utica's defense held its own today and limited Elmira's opportunities to score, especially late in the game.
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Utica (7-4-1, 4-1-1 Empire 8) looks to stay hot and remain in first place in the Empire 8 and hosts Hobart College on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
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