Empire 8 Release

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Elmira College third-year forward, Michael Bryant '18, was crowned the Empire 8 Conference Men's Soccer Player of the Week for the week ending September 18th, as announced Monday by the league office.

The reigning E8 All-Conference First Team honoree picks up his fourth career weekly award following a breakout performance against Utica College in EC's conference opener. After picking up just one goal in the first four games of the year, Bryant torched the Pioneers for a career-high-tying six points on two goals and two assists.

The Portola Hills, California, native picked up assists on Elmira's first two scores during the 6-1 defeat of Utica. Both helpers were earned via headers to Donte Donegal '18 in the sixth and 17th minutes. He eventually found the back of the net with a header of his own off of a corner kick to vault the Soaring Eagles to a 4-0 advantage before the intermission. Then in the 78th minute, Bryant used a magnificent individual effort to carve up the Utica defense before ripping a shot into the lower right corner of the net.

The six-point outing not only equaled his previous career best, but it moved Bryant into the lead in the Empire 8 with an average of 1.60 points per game. He is tied for seventh place all-time in EC history with 26 career goals and ranks eighth in with 59 career points.

The Elmira men's soccer team will return to action with a visit to Vassar College on Tuesday, September 20th. The non-conference bout against the Brewers will begin at 4:00 p.m.