UTICA, NY- A strong performance on the defensive end in the first half wasn't enough, as the Alfred University men's soccer team fell to Utica College by a 2-1 score on Friday from Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. The Saxons dropped to an 0-2 (0-2 Empire 8) record, while the Pioneers (1-3, 1-1 Empire 8) secured their first win of the spring season.

Alfred placed five of their eight shots on goal. Their lone goal came from first-year midfielder Jesus Macias (Reno, NV/Spanish Springs).  Junior defender Gavin Harrington (Elmira, NY/Notre Dame) forced two shots, one of which was on goal. First-year goalkeeper Daniel Koenig (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay) was responsible for 10 saves.

"I want to give kudos to the lads as they played really well," Head Coach Tracy Blake said. "We had a complete turnaround in terms of attitude and commitment in comparison to the Nazareth game. Without the two defensive mistakes that Utica capitalized on, the result could have been in our favor. We are growing into a very good team and I'm very excited to see how we move forward."

The Saxons stood tall defensively in the first half, as Koenig recorded six saves. Alfred rejected six corner kicks from Utica as both sides remained scoreless going into halftime.

Alfred began the second half with an aggressive offensive pace, placing three shots on goal within the opening seven minutes of action. The Pioneers were the first to get on the board, but a goal from Macias evened up the score. Utica found the back of the net at the 68:40 mark and eventually kept the game out of reach.

Alfred will next visit Houghton College on Monday with the first whistle scheduled for 6pm.