UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team fell to the Hobart College Statesmen 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The first half was very quiet as both teams were battling for possession and struggling to set up their offenses. Both defenses played terrific and limited the shots as Hobart registered three weak shots while Utica recorded six shots including a near goal by Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast ) and a well-placed goal by Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes). Mugushu was able to find the back of the net off of a beautiful pass from Kamer Lenio (Brighton, NY/Brighton) and put the Pioneers ahead 1-0 in the 10th minute. The first half remained quiet and Utica took a 1-0 lead into the half.
 
It was a tale of two halves as the second half was much more aggressive and physical by both teams. Utica pushed downfield within the first minute and Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) had two excellent shots, yet both were saved by the Statesmen goalkeeper. Hobart would push the ball and create opportunities yet the Pioneer defense remained strong and a few fine saves by Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) kept the team ahead. Yet, in the 60th minute, a Hobart player was tripped at the top of the box and awarded a penalty kick which knotted the score at 1-1. Both teams kept exchanging deep runs as their forwards had plenty of opportunities yet the defenses held strong, especially the goalkeepers. But, in the 81st minute, Hobart had a shot blocked by the Pioneer defense and regathered the ball for a rebound goal to put them ahead 2-1. Utica would have two late corners yet could not tie the game and Hobart would win the match 2-1.
 
Utica moved the ball very well and created opportunities for its offense. Five Pioneers registered a shot and Baker-Green (six) and Mugushu (three) led the way for the offense. Mugushu's goal was his seventh of the season which moves him into a tie for fourth in the Empire 8. Mugushu's goal was assisted by Lenio and was the first assist of his collegiate career. Xidias played phenomenal in net and tied a season-high with nine saves.
 
Utica (7-5-1, 4-1-1 Empire 8) will head to face Keuka College on Saturday at 1 p.m. and begin a crucial three-game stretch to conclude the regular season.