ALFRED, NY -- Alfred University Men's Soccer team celebrated six graduating seniors Saturday afternoon against Hartwick College, falling by the score of 2-1.

"Really tough loss today versus Hartwick," head coach Tracy Blake said. "I'm really sorry for the senior parents, I don't think we deserved the loss. We are going to work hard for a win on Wednesday."

The Saxons got the exact start they wanted, with one of those graduating seniors, Alexander Teijeira (North Collins, NY/North Collins), slotting it home just 29 seconds in with the assist from Christian Moon (Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse Minoa). It was just the start of what was a high-flying offensive battle in the first half, with Alfred University recording 11 shots in the first half. 

In goal, Tyler Mulholland (Lancaster, PA/Manheim Township) would be kept busy with three saves on Hartwick College. He faced 12 shots, six of them on net by the time the final whistle blew. The Saxons offense recorded 20 shots total, seven of the testing the netminder alongside six corner kicks - but ultimately couldn't find the twine after the opening minute.

AU thought they had found the equalizer in the dying moments in the 85th minute when Teijeira put in what he thought was his second goal of the game. But, it would be called back for a foul in the buildup and quickly wiped away the cheers from those in attendance.

In the end, Alfred University falls to 5-9-2 overall, and 3-5-2 in Empire 8 play. With one game remaining in the regular season, their postseason hopes are hanging on by a thread - needing to win their final game and hope for help elsewhere with an Elmira College loss at Houghton. 

That one final game is at Yunevich Stadium on Wednesday afternoon against SUNY Poly. Kickoff is at 4:00 pm.