UTICA, NY - The Utica University's men's soccer team will travel to Clinton, NY on Tuesday to face Hamilton College at 4:30 p.m. The team will then host St. John Fisher on Saturday at noon to return to Empire 8 play. 
 
Follow Along: Hamilton will provide live video through https://bit.ly/2JjWwog and live stats at https://bit.ly/3SPemSO. Those unable to attend Saturday's home game can tune in at https://bit.ly/2wtxUV5 for live video and/or stats.
 
Last Time Out:  The Utica University's men's soccer team netted a pair of late goals to beat the Nazareth Golden Flyers 3-2. The first half had plenty of offense by both teams as there were a combined 20 shots. Nazareth poured on the pressure early and had five shots within the first 10 minutes. The fifth shot resulted in a goal by Cuneyt Vardar (10th minute) to give the Golden Flyers a 1-0 advantage. The Pioneers would not give up as Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley), Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes), and Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast ) would record at least one shot in the first half. After a blocked Mugushu shot, Nazareth was able to switch the field quickly and net another goal (33rd minute) giving them a 2-0 lead heading into the half. Utica would come out firing as they were attacking hard with multiple shots in the first two minutes. After a blocked Mugushu shot, Baker-Green netted his eighth goal of the season which cut the lead in half (48th minute). The offenses continued firing as Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) recorded four saves in the second half to keep the Pioneers within striking distance. In the 88th minute, Mugushu hit the post which resulted in two corner kicks and the eventual game-tying goal by Nicholas Theimer (Flagstaff, AZ/Flagstaff). In less than a minute later, Utica was pressuring again and Noah Scranton (Utica, NY/Whitesboro ) rocketed the game-winning goal with just two seconds left (90th minute). The miraculous comeback led the Pioneers to a 3-2 victory in a very offensive game. Yet, it was the younger Pioneers who were able to come through late as both Theimer and Scranton netted their first collegiate goals and could not have come at a better time for the Pioneers. In goal, Xidias played a flawless second half gathering four saves to keep Nazareth off the board and eight for the game.
 
Where We Stand: The Pioneers are currently in second place in the Empire 8 standings behind Russell Sage after their thrilling comeback win over Nazareth. The team looks to continue to stay hot and continue its strong play in the Empire 8 so far this season. Utica remains an offensive powerhouse as the team averages the most shots in the E8 at 19.38 and lead by 1.38 shots. The team continues to find the back of the net as they are third in the Empire 8 with 2.625 goals per game including five game-winners.
 
Young Pioneers: A pair of young Pioneers were able to come through late against Nazareth and help Utica win in thrilling fashion. Nicholas Theimer (Flagstaff, AZ/Flagstaff) and Noah Scranton (Utica, NY/Whitesboro ) netted their first collegiate goals and could not have come at a better time for the Pioneers. Both goals were scored with less than a minute left and lifted the team to a thrilling Empire 8 victory.
 
Pair of Playmakers: Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) and Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) have continued to fire shots and continuously find the back of the net. Baker-Green is second in the Empire 8 with eight goals and Mugushu is tied for third with six. Yet, the two have elite chemistry and playmaking skills as Baker-Green is tied for second in the Empire 8 with four assists while Mugushu has three and is tied for third. Both are top five in the conference in points and look to continue their top-level play and contribute to the team's success. Baker-Green is top 20 in total points and goals this season in NCAA DIII and has been an all-around standout player.
 
Looking at Hamilton: The Continentals are 7-0-1 on the season and 4-0-1 in NESAC play and are in first place in the conference. The team's most recent win came on Saturday over Connecticut College in which Hamilton was able to secure another NESAC win in a 2-1 game. The team has spread the ball around offensively and is very balanced as nine members of the team have netted a point. Luke Peplowksi is their top point scorer with nine followed by Luke Ehrenfreund and Pandelis Maragonis who have seven points each. In net, the team plays both Kai Hasselein and Ben Ziegler and has allowed just four goals this season which is tied for first in the NESAC.
 
Scouting St. John Fisher: The Cardinals are 3-4-2 on the season and 2-1 in Empire 8 play. On Saturday, the team beat Elmira 2-0 as they continue to play well in conference matches. St. John Fisher has been led by Brennan Brown, Jackson Bishop, and Matt Gentile who all have accumulated four or more points this season. In net, Jadon Schlierf sports an Empire 8 best .841 save percentage and 37 saves this season.
 
Up Next: On Wednesday, October 12 the Pioneers will host Hartwick at 7 p.m. under the lights on Pioneer Field.