ALFRED, NY -- The No. 6 Alfred University men's soccer team will be facing No. 3 Nazareth University in the first round of the Empire 8 Tournament on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. 

Nazareth (9-4-1, 7-3-1 Empire 8) were hosted by the Saxons (8-3-4, 5-2-4 Empire 8) earlier this season, coming out on top with a 1-0 win. For the first time since 1989, Alfred University finished with only three losses in the regular season. 

This marks the first time AU has made the Empire 8 Tournament since 2023, where they eliminated the-then No. 3 Golden Flyers 2-1 in the first round, also as the No. 6 seed.

The stadium will open one hour prior to kickoff. As per the Empire 8 policy, admission will be charged for the 2026 Empire 8 Men's Soccer Championship Tournament. Cash will be the only accepted payment. Ticket prices are:

$10.00 - Adults
$5.00 - Seniors
$2.00 - Students with ID (from a competing institution)
Free - Children under 12

In addition, guests may bring one factory-sealed clear plastic water bottle (up to 20 oz) or an empty clear reusable bottle for refilling at designated water stations. Reusable tumblers and metal bottles are permitted but are subject to inspection upon entry. Glass containers, cans, Solo cups, alcoholic beverages, and opaque containers are prohibited. All containers are subject to inspection upon entry.

Parking is available in front of the campus stadium in Lot P. Overflow parking is also available in Lot I. Click this link for more information regarding Nazareth's campus map and parking.

The Empire 8 Tournament Schedule can be found below:

Saturday, October 31 – First Round 
No. 8 Houghton at No. 1 SUNY Geneseo – 12 p.m.
No. 7 Hartwick at No. 2 Utica – 6 p.m.
No. 6 Alfred at No. 3 Nazareth – 2 p.m.
No. 5 SUNY Brockport at No. 4 St. John Fisher – 11 a.m.
 
Wednesday, November 4 – Semifinals (at Higher Seed) 
Winner of SUNY Geneseo/Houghton vs. Winner of St. John Fisher/SUNY Brockport – TBD
Winner of Utica/Hartwick vs. Winner of Nazareth/Alfred – TBD

Saturday, November 7 - Championship Final
Winner of Semifinal Game 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal Game 2 at Highest Remaining Seed – TBD