Elmira, NY -- The Elmira College men's soccer team could not overcome an early deficit as they fell at home this afternoon to Empire 8 Conference foe Nazareth College, 5-1.  Tony Barraco '18 scored Elmira's lone goal of the day in the final minute of the first half, a career-first for Barraco.
 
The Golden Flyers wasted little time today as Nazareth's Ryan Foley '15 scored the game's first goal in the fourth minute.  Nazareth added three more goals in the first half as they took a convincing 4-0 lead. 
 
However, Elmira would cut the Golden Flyer lead to one late in the first half thanks to a great effort by first-year forward Tony Barraco '18.  On an EC counter-attack, Barraco received an over-the-top through ball from Donte Donegal '18 and after collecting the ball, Barraco would beat one defender before burying a shot into the lower left corner of the goal.
 
Barraco's goal sparked Elmira's offense as they came out of the halftime break with a new approach, a more offensive and possession minded one.  The new tactics seemed to work for Elmira as they controlled play for the majority of the first 15 minutes of the second half. 
 
Unfortunately for the Soaring Eagles, they were unable to breakthrough for a score and instead, the Golden Flyers would add to their lead in the 63rd minute with a goal by Clement Mutambo.  Nazareth's fifth goal would be the last of the game as they went on to win it, 5-1.
 
Elmira's Austin Mansell '16 got the start in goal for the Soaring Eagles, his first appearance in net since September 23rd when EC faced Lycoming College.  Mansell finished with 11 saves, tying his career-high. 
 
The Purple and Gold will look to bounce back this Wednesday, October 29th when Elmira plays in their final home contest of the season as EC hosts SUNY IT at 3:00 p.m.