UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team won its home opener defeating the SUNY Delhi Broncos in a hard-earned win on Wednesday night, 2-1. 

The first half was controlled by the Pioneers in which they out-shot the Broncos 13-2 and dictated the pace of the game by holding onto the ball. Utica was able to register a few corner kicks and near goals by Brandon Pender (Brooklyn, NY/Xaverian), Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast ), and Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley). The game headed into half at 0-0 with the Pioneers in the driver's seat offensively. 

The second half was a much more physical game by both teams and resulted in six fouls per team, yet no cards were awarded. Continuing to push the pace, Utica finally broke through in the 56th minute when Brandon Pender (Brooklyn, NY/Xaverian) scored his first career collegiate goal on an assist by Cody-Baker Green to put the Pioneers ahead 1-0.

Play opened up and both teams started utilizing the sidelines to get some better shots off. Delhi responded with a top-shelf goal by Justin Huallanca in the 65th minute to draw even at one a piece. Both teams continued to physically battle and this resulted in a Utica penalty kick as Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) was tripped up attempting a shot. Baker-Green converted the penalty with a strike to the right corner of the net and put the Pioneers up 2-1.

Utica did not shy away and continued to play aggressively in hopes of scoring another goal to seal the game. The Pioneers made some fine defensive plays and were able to keep the Broncos from scoring again. Utica outshot Delhi 18-12 and goals by Pender and Baker-Green helped solidify the win. Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) made three saves in net on 12 total shots by Delhi and four on goal. 

Utica (3-1, 0-0 Empire 8) will remain home on Saturday as the team hosts Alfred University to open Empire 8 play. Game time is set for 2 p.m. from Pioneer Field.