CORTLAND, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team lost 3-0 at nationally-ranked SUNY Cortland Wednesday evening.
 
AU senior goalkeeper Chris Gutierrez (Holbrook, NY/Sachem East) faced 13 shots from the 14th-ranked Red Dragons, making 10 saves.
 
Despite being outshot 8-2 in the first half, AU trailed Cortland by just a goal (1-0) heading into intermission.
 
"The team competed very well throughout the first half, challenging a number 14 ranked team in all areas of the field," said Tracy Blake, AU head coach. "The coaching staff and the squad are very pleased with the progression that has been made in preparation for the first conference game."
 
AU (0-4) opens Empire 8 Conference play Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. at home against Utica College. After a challenging stretch of non-conference action to open the season, Blake said the team is looking forward to beginning league play.

"Our freshmen did remarkably well against Cortland, and the desire is apparent in all the players to produce the result needed on Saturday" against Utica, Blake commented. "We have had a tremendously difficult pre-conference season and now everybody is exited to get to (Empire 8) play."