UTICA, NY - Utica University's men's soccer traveled across town for a "Battle for Utica" matchup with the SUNY Poly Wilcats, winning by a score of 3-2. Utica jumped out to an early 2-0 lead before Poly evened the score in the early second half. Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) netted his second goal of the game in the 85th minute to secure Utica the win and complete his brace. The Pioneers improve to 5-2-2 overall, and 2-0-2 in conference. SUNY Poly falls to 2-7-1 overall, with a 0-3 Empire 8 record. 

All of Utica's points in the contest were split between Mugushu and freshman Carter Cookinham (Poland, NY/Poland). Mugushu scored two goals, with Cookinham scoring one goal and one assist. Felix-Assa Loselose (Syracuse, NY/Nottingham) joined the two as the only three Pioneers to record multiple shots on goal. Cade Tavares (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) and Asim Gacic (Utica, NY/Mohawk Valley Community College (NJCAA)) each tended the net for one half of the game. The two men had matching stat lines, each allowing one goal and making two saves.

SUNY Poly recorded two goals and an assist in the contest, each by a different player. Elijah North scored the Wildcats' first goal of the day, followed by Nazim Harizi scoring on a penalty kick. Jael Casimir assisted on North's goal. North and Casimir were the only Poly players with multiple shots on goal, accounting for five of the team's seven total. Tyler Barth played keeper for the Wildcats, saving four of seven shots that came his way.

The Pioneers didn't take long to break the 0-0 tie, scoring 8:22 into the game. Captain Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast) controlled the ball, sending a deep pass from the midfield line. Nassberg's pass landed right at the feet of Mugushu at the top of the penalty area. Mugushu made a small pass to Cookinham, who dribbled past two Wildcat defenders to tuck home his second goal of the season.

Utica extended their lead just six minutes later on a goal by Mugushu. A deep pass from the Pioneer defense gave way to a 3-on-2 offensive chance. Cookinham gained possession, threading a pass through Poly's defense to Mugushu, who scored his team-leading 6th goal of the season.

The Wildcats struck back on a swift counterattack in the 30th minute. After gaining possession in their own penalty area, a long pass was made to the midfield, with Poly's Casimir gaining possession. He was able to carry the ball deep into Utica's defensive zone, making a pass into the penalty area to North. North took a hard shot into the upper-left corner just a few yards out from the Utica keeper, cutting their deficit to one.

The home squad erased Utica's lead with a penalty kick goal at the 55:06 mark. Poly was awarded a penalty kick following a handball by a Utica defender, just inside the penalty area. Harizi was called upon by his team, scoring with a shot into the lower left corner.

With 5:14 left on the clock, the Pioneers retook the lead. A Poly defender kicked a ball deep into Utica's half, which was sent right back by the Pioneer defender. Cookinham was able to corral the ball, passing up the field to an open Mugushu. Mugushu shot into the lower-left corner, beating the keeper to complete his brace and score the game-winning goal.

Utica will return to Laura M. Casamento Field this Saturday, October 4th, when the SUNY Geneseo Knights come to town for a 1:00 pm matchup.