ALFRED, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team fell to the Alfred University Saxons 2-0 in Empire 8 play on Saturday evening. 
 
It was a tough fought game for both teams. The first half saw Alfred score two goals in the first 20 minutes of action. Chase Freeland scored both goals unassisted. The first goal came in the ninth minute of play and the second at the 20th minute to give Alfred a 2-0 lead. At the 15th minute mark Utica's Ryan Ching (Temple City, CA/Temple City) registered the teams first shot on net, but was turned away by Saxon goalkeeper Matthew Osmundson. The Pioneers recorded 11 shots compared to Alfred's four in the first half of action. Freeland's two goals were the only goals scored. Alfred would go into halftime with a 2-0 advantage. 
 
Utica kept its foot on the gas in the second half recording 12 shots compared to Alfred's one in 45 minutes of play, yet the Saxons defense responded to the pressure. Osmundson registered eight saves on the evening. 
 
Utica's Gavin Baxter (Ellenville, NY/Ellenville) and Martin Mendoza (Walden, NY/The Mount Academy) each recorded two shots on goal. Noah Scranton (Utica, NY/Whitesboro), Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) and Ching registered one shot on goal.  
 
Eduardo Paez (Eastchester, NY/Eastchester) and Zachary Accetta (Rocky Point, NY/Rocky Point) each saw time in net for the Pioneers recording zero saves. 
 
Utica (4-8-3, 2-3-2 Empire 8) will wrap up regular season play against Keuka College at Casamento Field on Wednesday at 7 p.m.