HOUGHTON, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team picked up a huge road victory against Empire 8 opponent, Houghton on Saturday evening. The Saxons (4-9, 3-1 Empire 8) defeated the Highlanders by a score of 1-0.
 
Houghton dominated shots on goal in this game with 11 compared to Alfred's four, but were unable to cash in, while Alfred was able to find the back of the net late in the second half to come out on top. 
 
Defense was the story of the first half with both teams being held scoreless heading into the break. In the 71^stminute, the senior captain, Cody Cronmiller (Livonia, NY/Livonia) broke the scoreless tie with an unassisted goal to make it 1-0 in favor of the Saxons. AU would hold on for the last 19 minutes of play to pick up a huge victory in the conference. 
 
Evan Merkey (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) put two shots on goal while Danny Zihal (Centerport, NY/Harborfields) had one shot on goal. Joe Gonzalez (Marion, NY/Marion) was once again, fantastic in the net for Alfred with 11 saves in 90 minutes to keep Houghton off the scoreboard. 
 
"Great win away from home at Houghton. We beat a very good team today. The work ethic of the players was exceptional and again they played tactically how coaches Darren Wynne, Tyler Landries and I asked of them," Head Coach Tracy Blake said. "Gonzo [Joe Gonzalez] in the goal, had another stellar game and without his saves and our game plan being executed we would have been on the wrong side of the scoreboard. A great day to recognize the Saxon warriors on the squad." 
 
AU will travel to Ithaca next week for a Tuesday evening matchup with the Bombers at 4PM.