POTSDAM, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team opened up the season against the Golden Knights of Clarkson University on Friday afternoon, but fell, 5-0.
 
Clarkson got off to quick start, scoring three goals in the first half on their way to the shutout victory over the Saxons (0-1, 0-0 Empire 8). 
 
"The team did not play up to their own expectations in today's 5-0 loss," Alfred University Head Coach Tracy Blake said. "We had far too many unforced errors in the game. Combine that with a lack of teamwork and discipline, we were a poor team today," Coach Blake stated, regarding what went wrong throughout the contest. 
 
The Golden Knights tacked on two more goals in the second half to secure the victory.

Alfred University had some offensive production from senior captain Cody Cronmiller (Livonia, NY/Livonia) and senior Brian Larkin-Gero (Chagrin Falls, OH/Kenston). Cronmiller led the team with shots as he was able to fire off three with two of them being on goal while both of Larkin-Gero's attempts were also on goal. In total, the Saxons had 13 shots with eight on goal. Clarkson University totaled 19 shots with 12 on target.

The Golden Knights' Riley McDonald was their lone keeper while senior Joe Gonzalez (Marion, NY/Marion) played all 90 minutes in net for the Saxons. Gonzalez made seven saves on the day.
 
Speaking of the quick turnaround tomorrow afternoon Coach Blake said, "Everyone on the team knows that the result of today's contest does not define the team and the hard work done in preseason. So we are looking forward to our next battle against St. Lawrence." 
 
The Saxon's will make the short trip from Clarkson to St. Lawrence University tomorrow to face off against the Saints with kickoff slated for 12PM.