UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team fell to the Russell Sage College Gators 2-1 on Wednesday night.
 
The first half was quiet for both sides as the team's combined for just 10 shots. Utica started the game off with a bang as in just the third minute, Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast ) and Nico Leonard (Long Beach Township, NJ/Southern Regional ) both fired shots, yet both were saved by the Gators goalkeeper. The Pioneers had a few more close shots as Brady Barnard (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) and Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) both made fine attempts. Utica controlled the pace of the game and in the 38th minute Mugushu sent a beautiful pass to Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) that gave the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage in the match. The team played an excellent first half allowing just three shots and went into the half up 1-0.
 
The Gators had momentum straight out of the gate as the team fired two shots within the first two minutes of the second half. Utica was able to clear the ball, yet in the 59th minute the Gators scored and evened the game at 1-1. The Pioneers kept shooting as James Williams (Mount Sinai, NY/Mount Sinai) and Orin Williams (Mt. Vernon, NY/Sacred Heart) both recorded shots, yet the game remained tied. The teams continued to battle, yet in the 76th minute Sage was able to find the back of the net and gain a 2-1 edge in the match. The Pioneers did not give up as Baker-Green, Brady Maloney (Ellisburg, NY/Bellville Henderson), and Brandon Pender (Brooklyn, NY/Xaverian) all fired a shot, yet the Gators would hold on and win the match 2-1.
 
Utica played well as ten players recorded a shot today and the team was spreading the ball around beautifully. Maloney and Nassberg led the team with three shots a piece, and Baker-Green had the team's lone goal which was assisted by Mugushu. Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) did good in net as he recorded six saves and kept the Pioneers in the match.
 
Utica (7-7-1, 4-3-1 Empire 8) will host Houghton University on Saturday at noon as the team will celebrate senior day.