ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team hosted Houghton College at Yunevich Stadium on Saturday. The Saxons (5-10, 1-3 Empire 8) picked up a much needed conference victory with a 2-1 win over the Highlanders.
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Justin Eaton (Williamson, NY / Williamson) continued his standout first season as a Saxon as he netted both goals on the day for AU. The two goals give him a season total of 12, tying the Alfred record which was previously shared by Jarrett Sanatar in 2004 and Frankie Mannino in 2011.
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The first goal of the day came in the 25
th minute of the first half as Eaton broke away from defenders and crossed a shot that found the right back corner of the net to give Alfred the 1-0 advantage.
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Houghton answered just minutes later with a shot that deflected off of a Saxon defender causing it to spin enough to sneak past the Alfred goalkeeper.
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AU did not waste any time and took advantage of another opportunity in the 34
th minute when
Charles Hawkins (Goshen, NY / Goshen) sent a pass forward to Eaton who ran by the Houghton defenders and finished the play by putting the ball into the back of the net.
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At the end of the first half, Alfred led Houghton by a score of 2-1.
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After an offensive first half, the second half turned into a physical defensive battle.
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Eaton and company had multiple opportunities throughout the second period to add to the Saxon lead but all of those attempts sailed wide or were stopped by the Houghton goalkeeper.
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The Highlanders had opportunities themselves but the AU defense held its ground and kept the ball out of the net and came away with the huge Empire 8 victory.
"The boys played really well to keep up hopes of qualifying for the Empire 8 playoffs," Head Coach
Tracy Blake said. "Very proud of their efforts. Justin [Eaton] was huge again for us and there was great teamwork by the rest of the squad. A shout out to
Raquan Hinds (Rochester, NY / Wilson Magnet) for playing all 90 minutes at right back."
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The Saxons will be home again next Saturday as they host Utica College on senior day at 5PM in Yunevich Stadium.
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