SaxonTV YouTube Recap

HOBOKEN, NJ – The Alfred University men's soccer team traveled to Hoboken, New Jersey for the Empire 8 Championships hosted by top-seeded Stevens Institute of Technology. The second seeded Saxons (6-13, 5-2 Empire 8) faced off against third seeded Nazareth College in the semifinal round. A defensive based game ended with the Golden Flyers taking the 1-0 victory and moving to the finals on Sunday afternoon.

The opening minutes were quiet from both sides until the 19^th minute when Jake Adams fed Francesco Viavattene for a goal to give Nazareth the 1-0 advantage. The Saxons would have some opportunities in the middle minutes of the first half with corner kick chances but were unable to put shots on goal.

The second half began with Nazareth having corner kick opportunities but Joe Gonzalez (Marion, NY/Marion) stood strong in goal for Alfred, keeping the deficit to just one. Both teams traded shots on goal in the remainder of the half but could not convert any past the goalkeepers. In the end, the early goal would be enough for Nazareth to advance to the finals.

Gonzalez was strong once again in the net for AU with four saves and just one goal allowed in 90 minutes. Seamus Doyle (Sea Cliff, NY/North Shore) led the Saxons with two shots on goal while Charles Hawkins (Goshen, NY/Goshen) and Bobby Saucier (Rocky Hill, CT/Rocky Hill) each had one.

"Tough loss in the E8 playoffs for the men's soccer team. I am very proud of the lads to extend our season and unfortunately today was not as we had wished for," Head Coach Tracy Blake said. "A fantastic strike by Naz was the only difference in the two teams. Joe Gonzalez again was excellent in goal. For all of the senior class, it has been my distinct pleasure in being your coach. You should all be proud of your connection to the team. Go Saxons!"