UTICA, NY - Utica University's men's soccer team is set to continue its run in the Empire 8 with a road matchup against the top-seeded SUNY Geneseo Knights. The semi-final game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5th, at Geneseo's College Stadium. Geneseo took the previous matchup between the teams 2-1.

Spectator Information:
Tickets are required for entrance into Empire 8 Tournament events. Entry is priced at $10 for general admission, $2 for seniors and students with ID, and free for children under 12.

Those interested in following along from home can watch the video stream HERE, and find the live stats HERE.

Flattened Fisher: In round one of the tournament, Utica traveled to face #4-seeded St. John Fisher. The Pioneers defeated the hosts by a score of 5-1 to advance to the semi-finals. Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) scored twice himself and assisted on another goal to lead the Pioneers. For his efforts, Mugushu was awarded his third E8 Offensive Player of the Week honors this season. 

Last Time vs Geneseo: The teams met up in early October for a matchup hosted by Utica. Geneseo scored less than eight minutes into the game to take an early lead. The Knights extended their lead at the 75:50 mark, surviving a goal by Henry Schweitzer (Clinton, NY/Clinton) with 45 seconds left in the game. Utica gave the top E8 team a challenge, as Geneseo managed nine total shots, just two more than the Pioneers, and the teams matched corner kick counts with six.

Knowing The Knights: Geneseo has been able to lean heavily into its top two players, Dylan Thody and Michael Ruggiero. Thody has scored 13 goals and eight assists for 34 points, which is good for the second most in the conference, behind only Mugushu. Ruggiero sits not far behind, as his 26 total points rank fourth in the E8, and he is the final player in the conference with more than 16 points. Max Crothall has played the majority of time in goal for Geneseo, earning a 10-5-2 record with a 1.19 goals allowed average and .774 save percentage.

Up Next: The Pioneers are in "win or go home" mode moving forward, requiring a victory in each game to continue to advance. With a victory over Geneseo, Utica is slotted to face the winner of the matchup between the #2 seed SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles and #3 Elmira Soaring Eagles for the E8 Championship. Be sure to follow along on Utica Athletics platforms for up-to-date information as the postseason progresses!