ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team hosted 12^th ranked Ithaca College on Wednesday evening. The Saxons (2-7, 0-1 Empire 8) stayed with the Bombers every step of the way as they forced their way into overtime with the game tied 0-0 at the end of regulation before falling in the extra period.
 
"Absolutely astounded by the effort that these guys put forth today," Senior Captain Andrew Barnikel (Commack, NY/Commack) said. "Everyone gave what we could give and that is exactly what we're looking for."
 
The match began with some great opportunities for Alfred as Saif Alseyofi (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia/AQS) put multiple shots on goal in the opening minutes.
 
Bobby Saucier (Rocky Hill, CT/Rocky Hill) also sent a header attempt off of a Zachary Gloskin (New City, NY/Clarkstown South) corner kick.
 
The Saxons were unable to break through on the scoreboard during the opening half of play but locked down the defense and limited the chances for the nationally ranked Bombers.
 
At the end of the first half the teams were both scoreless.
 
The second half was similar to the first as each side had limited scoring opportunities but played excellent defense.
 
The game physicality also became a factor as defenders made it difficult for anyone to get close to the net.
 
Toward the closing minutes of the second half, the physicality was still at a high level.
 
Ithaca was able to find some chances close to the net but Ben Middlemiss (Montclair, NJ/Montclair) put forth his best effort of the season with some spectacular saves to keep Ithaca off of the board after 90 minutes.
 
"We put forth a great effort tonight," Evan Merkey (Webster, NY / Webster Schroeder) said.  "We need to come back out and show that we can do the same on Saturday in an Empire 8 game."
 
The overtime period picked up where the game left off with the teams going back and forth at each other.
 
It was not until nearly halfway through the extra period that an Ithaca pass snuck through the Saxon defense to an open man who broke toward the net for the game winning goal.
 
"I have no complaints about the way we came out and played tonight," Sophomore Captain Mason Sanborn (Wappingers Falls, NY/Roy C. Ketcham) said. "I know we have a great group here and we really showed it tonight."
 
The nationally ranked Ithaca Bombers have beaten #5 Messiah and tied with 10^th ranked Cortland so far this season with their only loss coming against The United States Merchant Marine Academy by a score of 2-1.
 
"The effort tonight was just what we needed, especially going into our second Empire 8 game on Saturday," Head Coach Tracy Blake said. "I believe that if we play this way we're going to do very well in the conference. Very pleased with the effort of the team."
 
The Saxons hope to gain a great deal of confidence from this performance and ride the momentum into Saturday's Empire 8 matchup with The Sage Colleges at 1PM at Yunevich Stadium.