UTICA, NY - Utica University's men's soccer hosted the Elmira College Soaring Eagles, the Empire 8's top team in the early season, and played to a 3-3 draw. The teams combined for 36 total shots, with Utica avoiding the loss with a penalty kick goal with just 2:11 left in play. The Pioneers now sit at 4-2-2 overall, and 1-0-2 in conference. Elmira moves to 4-1-4 and 2-0-2 in the Empire 8.

Utica had five players involved in scoring plays. Freshmen Justin Clarke (East Setauket, NY/Ward-Melville) and Henry Schweitzer (Clinton, NY/Clinton) each found the back of the net, with Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) netting the penalty goal. Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast) and Carter Cookinham (Poland, NY/Poland) each tallied an assist. Zachary Accetta (Rocky Point, NY/Rocky Point) continued to start in Utica's net, saving three of six shots.

Elmira's three goals were split between two players, with all of them being unassisted. Pietro Gallina scored two in the match, one on a penalty kick, with Ole Esselmann netting the other goal. Juan Carlos Cruz Gandia served as keeper for the Soaring Eagles, saving six of his nine shots seen.

Elmira's Pietro Gallina put the first point on the board, scoring at the 18:22 mark. Gallina found himself with possession at the top of the penalty area, taking a shot at the lower-middle portion of the net. Accetta, Utica's goalkeeper, charged out to cut down Gallina's chances, saving the first shot, but not being able to control the rebound. The ball bounced right back to Gallina, who was able to advance past an outstretched Accetta and tap in the goal.

The Pioneers responded later in the first half, evening the score in the 38th minute. Utica was awarded a corner kick following a shot. Freshman defender Justin Clarke (East Setauket, NY/Ward-Melville) was moved up into the penalty area for the kick. Captain Noah Nassberg (Naples, FL/Gulf Coast) kicked the ball in from the corner, finding the 6'4" Clarke, who was able to high point the header over many of the competing players.

Utica took their own lead in the second half, scoring their second goal at the 52:45 mark. Pioneer freshmen continued their excellence, as Henry Schweitzer (Clinton, NY/Clinton) and Carter Cookinham (Poland, NY/Poland) led the attack into the Elmira defensive zone. Cookinham passed the ball behind the Soaring Eagle defense, allowing the speedy Schweitzer to gain control and find the bottom right corner of the net. 

Elmira responded immediately to the goal, evening the game again just 43 seconds later. After the kickoff to start play again, Elmira pushed straight through the Pioneer defense, with Ole Esselmann tallying the score.

Each of the final two goals came on penalty kicks, with Elmira's coming first late in the 77th minute. Gallina was again about to gain possession at the top of the penalty area, so Accetta charged out. When attempting to control the ball, Accetta tripped out Gallina, awarding him a penalty kick that he would punch home.

Utica finished the scoring with their penalty kick goal at 87:49. A Pioneer was brought down to the ground on the left side of the penalty area. After being awarded the opportunity, Utica turned to Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes), who put the tying goal past the Elmira keeper.

The Pioneers will travel across town on Wednesday, October 1st, to challenge the SUNY Poly Wildcats in a 5:00 pm matchup. The squad will return to Laura M. Casamento Field next Saturday, October 4th, when they host the SUNY Geneseo Knights at 1:00 pm.