BROCKPORT, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team fell to host SUNY Brockport, 4-2, Thursday evening.
 
After a scoreless first half, the Saxons (0-2, 0-0 Empire 8) got the scoring going coming out of intermission when first-year forward Zachary Gloskin (New City, NY/Clarkstown South) was able to find senior midfielder Jesse Litchman (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) in the 49^th minute to make the score 1-0. The Golden Eagles would answer, scoring three goals from the 57^th minute to the 61^st minute.  
 
With Alfred trailing, 3-1, senior midfielder Cody Cronmiller (Livonia, NY/ Livonia) cut the deficit to one as he scored with just under 22 minutes remaining in regulation. Brockport would put the game out of reach in the 86^th minute as Quintin Volpe would score the clinching goal.

AU was hampered by having to play short-handed. Already missing starting junior midfielder Adam Taylor (Newton, NJ/Sussex County Technical) to injury, junior startinhg defender Brennan Jelstrom (Loudonville, NY/Shaker) was hurt in pre-game warmups and did not play.

"The squad did well tonight under some difficult circumstances," AU head coach Tracy Blake said, noting the the two missing starters "hurt some of our plans from a game management aspect."
 
Brockport had the advantage in shot attempts, 19-7, with also having the advantage in corner kicks, 7-1. Junior goalie Brian Larkin-Gero (Chagrin Falls, OH/Kenston) took the loss in net, making six saves on 10 shots faced.

"We need to cut down on unforced errors and continue the development of the squad," said Blake, noting that he continues to rotate players onto the field in an effort to create a solid lineup heading into Empire 8 Conference play next weekend (Sept. 16 vs. Utica).

"Every game before the conference start is an exercise in trying to find the best 11 players and introducing the freshmen into the challenges of this level of soccer," Blake commented. "I would hate to put a player onto the field in a Empire 8 game without any college minutes under his belt."

 The Saxons continue their three-game road trip when they play at Keuka College Saturday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m.