UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team picked up a crucial Empire 8 win over the Nazareth College Golden Flyers on Saturday, 1-0. 
 
Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) netted the lone tally in the 66th minute for what was his fifth goal of the season. Anderson Velazquez (Norwood, NY/Marble Hill) assisted on the score.
 
Each team fired off 13 shots in the game while the Pioneers held the advantage on goal, 7-3. Mugushu was responsible for three looks on net while off the bench, James Williams (Mount Sinai, NY/Mount Sinai) got off a pair. Eduardo Paez (Eastchester, NY/Eastchester) continued his solid play in goal with three saves in the shutout win. 
 
The Pioneers controlled the offensive zone through the majority of the first half of action. However, The Golden Flyers were set up in prime position with a penalty kick in the 22nd minute. With Jake Pawlika lined up, Paez made the clutch save to keep the game scoreless. 
 
In the second half, Utica applied pressure with shots by Anderson Velazquez (Norwood, NY/Marble Hill) and Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast) that each sailed wide. 
 
However, Utica broke through just before the 67th minute when a bounce allowed Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) to find open field. With Mugushu starting to make way downfield, the senior had defenders beat and with the Nazareth goalie charging, made a quick move to get the ball past for the lead. 
 
From there, Peaz and the Utica defense locked down the Nazareth attack with the Golden Eagles outshooting the Pioneers 6-1 over the final 23 minutes of play. However, none of which made it on goal and Utica held on for the league win. 
 
Utica (3-4-2, 1-0-1 Empire 8) will hit the road on Wednesday, October 4 to take on Hartwick College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.