ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team began their fall season with a 4-2 victory over Pitt-Bradford on Thursday evening from Yunevich Stadium.
 
The win for the Saxons (1-0) marks the first time the team has won their home opener dating back to the 2016 season.
 
Chase Freeland (Hornell, NY/Hornell) finished with two goals across a team-high four shots on goal. Noam Sokolovsky (East Lyme, CT/East Lyme) tacked on an additional two goals. Jon Nadolne (Port Washington, NY/Albertson ECNL) recorded two saves in the win for AU.
 
"We worked hard during the preseason and I'm glad we showed up to compete in the first game of the regular season," Head Coach Tracy Blake said. "We shared the ball well and played physical. With five games until Empire 8 competition beginning, we should be able to iron out the areas of concern and create a strong crew. I'm excited for what's ahead this season."
 
The Saxons set the pace early in the first half, as the offense put across four shots on goal within the first five minutes. The Panthers (0-1) were the first to score in the 20th minute, as AU faced a 1-0 deficit. Freeland found an opening moments later to equalize the score. After earning a penalty kick, Sokolovsky hit the left side of the goal to give Alfred University the 2-1 lead before halftime.
 
Alfred came out strong in the second half, as Sokolovsky scored his second goal of the night to put the Saxons ahead by a 3-1 margin. A corner kick opportunity for Pitt-Bradford resulted in a goal, as AU held onto a 3-2 lead. An assist from Kalum Holbrook (Atlanta, NY/Wayland-Cohocton) to Freeland gave the Saxons a 4-2 lead, as they held on for the win.
 
"Our locker room is the best it's ever been," Blake said. "We're not afraid to make changes to the lineup, as our level of play will not drop moving forward."
 
Alfred University will next travel to face SUNY Oneonta on Saturday at 3PM.