ALFRED, NY -- The Alfred University men's soccer team wrapped up its three-game home stand at Yunevich Stadium with a 1-1 draw against the Russell Sage Gators.

"I thought the guys worked hard on a very hot day," Head Coach Garret Eldridge said. "We did the work to get the goal we needed and conceded a goal that was not needed. I applaud our work rate and this is something we need to learn from and fix moving forward."

AU (3-3-1, 1-0-1 Empire 8) took on a high-flying Russell Sage team and took it to them in the first half. The Saxons didn't allow much pressure in their half, while forcing the play forward away from their goal.

Hamza Kromah (Margibi, Liberia) got the best chance of the first half, intercepting the goalkeeper's pass from outside the box. His long shot with the goalie out managed to hit the outside of the post, just missing the back of the net by mere inches. It was one of his team-leading four shots Saturday afternoon, 10 total by the Saxons.

It would not be the last time he'd be a force in the match, however. In the 58th minute, Kromah managed to spin around two defenders, get by a third, and put a pass into the feet of Dennis Hayes V (Ferndale, MI/Berkley). Hayes managed to poke his shot through the netminder's hands and across the line for the lead.

Alfred University played a solid defensive game afterward, with Tyler Mulholland (Lancaster, PA/Manheim Township) making three of his four saves in the final 45 minutes. He helped fend off two Gators corners as well, matching AU's two corner kicks in the match as well. In the end, both teams got an even draw and split points.

The Saxons will continue Empire 8 conference play on the road against Nazareth University on Wednesday, September 24 at 4:00 p.m.