FREDONIA, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team scored twice in the second half in a competitive 3-2 loss to Fredonia State University on Tuesday evening.
The Saxons (3-8-4, 1-4-3 Empire 8) finished with the game with 16 shots, nine of which were on goal. The Blue Devils (4-9-3, 2-5-2 SUNYAC) forced AU's defense to defend 12 shots.
Chase Freeland (Hornell, NY/Hornell) scored twice across a team-high seven shots.
Ian Landsittel (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) was credited with an assist.
Daniel Koenig (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay) and
Robert Mann (Buffalo, NY/Frederick Law Olmsted) combined for four saves.
"No matter the score this group never quits," Graduate Assistant Coach
Andrew Barnikel said. "They put the work in to get back into it and were rewarded.
Connor Bacon was fantastic in his first collegiate start,
Nick Flemmer gave us some good first team minutes, and Chase hit two fantastic finishes to keep us in it until the end. We will take the way we finished this game and bring it into our last match to close out the season strong."
Freeland sparked the AU offense early on with his first shot on goal in the 4th minute of action. The Blue Devils retaliated with their first goal of the game moments later to take the early 1-0 advantage. The defense for Alfred University faced four more shots before Fredonia reached the back of the net once more, eventually carrying a 2-0 lead into halftime.
In the 55th minute,
Luke A. Johns (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) nearly put the Saxons on the scoreboard with a shot that deflected off the crossbar. The Blue Devils extended their lead following a penalty kick, making the score 3-0. Freeland later found an opening in the middle of the net to cash in for the Saxons, cutting their deficit to 3-1. A pass from Landsittel to Freeland got the Saxons on the scoreboard once again in the 88th minute. The Saxons attempted three additional shots in the closing minutes of the game before the final horn blew, as the comeback could not be completed.
Alfred University will conclude their regular season with a road matchup against Keuka College on Saturday with the first half slated to start at 3:30 PM.
