ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team scored twice in the second half to force a 2-2 draw against Hartwick College on Saturday afternoon from Yunevich Stadium.
 
The Saxons (3-7-4, 1-4-3 Empire 8) finished the game with 20 shots, nine of which were on goal. The Hawks (4-8-3, 2-4-2 Empire 8) were limited to just four corner kick opportunities.
 
Justin Eaton (Williamson, NY/Williamson) led the Saxons with a goal and an assist. Joaquin Ghioldi-Acosta (Los Angeles, CA/The Waverly School) scored once across three shots on goal.  Jon Nadolne (Port Washington, NY/Albertson ECNL) picked up two saves for AU.
 
"It was a great effort to get ourselves back into the contest," Assistant Coach Andrew Barnikel said. "We knew we had to get a result and while the effort was there, unfortunately we were unable to compete the comeback to get the win we needed."
 
The Hawks set the tone early in the opening half, as they scored in the 8th minute to take the 1-0 advantage. The Saxons attempted six shots of their own in the first half before trailing Hartwick 1-0 entering halftime. In the second half, the Hawks wasted no time capitalizing on their lead, finding the back of the net to make the score 2-0. Alfred University continued to persevere, as an assist from Eaton to Ghioldi-Acosta cut the team's deficit in half. Following a foul in the 80th minute, a rocket from Eaton equalized the score for the Saxons. Eaton had one additional shot on goal before the final horn, as neither side came away with the decision.
 
While the playoffs are out of reach now, it's important to utilize the next two games to set the standard for what we want to do next season," Barnikel said. "We are so grateful for all of the effort the seniors put into setting the culture of this program for years to come."
 
Alfred University will next travel for a non-conference matchup against Fredonia on Tuesday at 7:00 PM.