ALFRED, NY -- The Alfred University men's soccer team bounced back after Friday night's defeat for a big 5-0 win over Penn State Altoona. It's the first win of the year and under new head coach Garret Eldridge.

"I'm very proud about our effort level today," Eldrige said. "We worked very hard and scored some good goals."

Alfred dominated from the get-go when Niko Lampros (Lake Oswego, OR/Lakeridge) capitalized in the 6th minute. He added on another just a couple minutes later before being called offsides. It was one of two goals called back for the Saxons in a scoreline where they could've had more.

First-year Sawyer Zgoda (Lockport, NY/Starpoint) opened his collegiate scoring account in the 19th minute to double the lead. He took part in an onslaught of shots, with AU having 13 shots in both halves. 12 shots challenged the Nittany Lions netminders.

After having several close chances, Xavier Bowman (Hampstead, MD/Manchester Valley) finally put one in the net in the 54th minute on an afternoon where he totaled nine shots. He also tacked on an assist for a Hamza Kromah (Margibi, Liberia/Western Reserve Academy) goal 13 minutes later. Cameron Daley (Montreal, Quebec, Canada/South Kent School) added on the fifth with two minutes to go in the match.

AU's constant attacks on frame gave them several opportunities to rotate players in. Landon Berry (Penn Yan, NY/Penn Yan Academy) got the assist on the Daley goal thanks to his corner kick delivery. Dray Grayson (Le Roy, NY/Le Roy) was unlucky not to score himself when his curling shot came off the inside of the post late in the second half.  

In the defensive end, Tyler Mulholland (Lancaster, PA/Manheim Township) got the start for the second day in a row. He only needed one save against Altoona and was relieved late in the second half for the first appearance of the year for Connor Russell (Canastota, NY/Canastota).

The Saxons will now face their attention on the upcoming Blue Devil Classic, with their first game in the tournament coming against the hosts Fredonia. Kick-off on Friday evening is 6 p.m.