Score: Elmira College 4, Utica College 2
Records: Elmira College (4-4-2, 1-0-2 E8), Utica College (4-7-0, 1-2-0 E8)
Location: Charles A. Gaetano Stadium | Utica, NY
 
Utica, NY -- Although the Elmira College men's soccer team entered tonight's game unbeaten in Empire 8 Conference play with a pair of ties, the Soaring Eagles were in dire need of a conference win. Thankfully, that is just what Elmira was able to do, as the Purple and Gold downed Utica College on the road, 4-2, extending EC's unbeaten streak to five games. With the win, Elmira records their first road win over the Pioneers since 2009 and move into a two-way tie for fourth place in the E8 standings.
 
It only took 3:07 for the game's first goal to be scored, one that was tallied by fourth-year midfielder Chris Aristizabal '16. The game-opening goal was setup by a feed from Tony Barraco '18, who on a free kick found Aristizabal in the box, allowing him to bury a shot into the lower left corner of the net.
 
Utica's all-time leader goal scorer, Shane Ruffing, evened the game in the 12th minute on a give-and-go. Elmira would go on to outshoot Utica 10-to-5 in the half, but the score remained tied entering the halftime break.
 
Rookie talent and Australia native, Aidan Gray '19, broke the tie with his second goal in as many games. Gray's go-ahead goal was scored in the 56th minute and was assisted by Michael Bryant '17.
 
Just about 12 minutes later, Utica equalized on another goal by Ruffing.
 
With the game knotted at 2-2, Bryant, the conference's leading goal scorer, put the Soaring Eagles back on top in the 76th minute with his 10th goal of the year. The scoring play was setup by rookie Colin Morrison '19, whose monster throw-in found Bryant inside the box and on the near post. From there, Bryant leaped in the air and with a quick turn of the head, flicked the ball overtop the Utica goalie, as well as several Pioneer defenders, and into the side netting for the eventual game-winner.
 
Elmira looked to maintain their one-goal lead but instead would score an insurance goal in the 85th minute. On almost an identical play as Bryant's goal, Morrison would launch a throw-in into the box and find Bryant on the near post. Bryant again took to the sky and flicked a header towards the far post, however, his header would find Gray, who one-touched the ball into the back of the net for the score.
 
In Their Own Words…
Head Coach Keith Moore on his team's performance…
"We've faced adversity the entire season. Nothing is coming easy for us and we keep answering the call. Today was another testament to that. When challenged, we've had the answer and hopefully we can keep that going."
 
Coach Moore on getting a conference road win…
"Away at Utica is always a tough place to play. Add onto that homecoming and senior day – and you have a very adverse environment."
 
Turning Point
Each time Elmira scored, Utica answered with a goal of its own to equalize. With another game deadlocked late in a second half, Elmira's Michael Bryant put the Soaring Eagles ahead for good with a header goal in the 76th minute. Following Bryant's goal, Elmira was able to defend with no hiccups, as the Purple and Gold held the Pioneers to two shots, neither of which found their way on frame, for the final 14:14 of regulation.
 
Inside Box Score

• The Soaring Eagles held a 16-to-10 lead in shots, including a 10-to-5 edge in the first half.
• Elmira was also more accurate with their shooting, as EC held a 9-to-4 edge in shots on goal.
• Corner kick opportunities were nearly even, with Utica holding a 6-to-4 lead.
• Gray scored two goals for Elmira – EC's second and fourth goals of the night.
• Bryant finished with four points on one goal and two assists.
• Bryant's lone goal was the game-winner in the 76th minute.
• Aristizabal netted the game-opening goal just 3:07 into the first half.
• Barraco and Morrison assisted on goals, with Morrison's assist coming on the game-winner.
• Austin Mansell '16 made two saves en route to the victory.

 
News and Notes

• Today's result snaps a Utica two-game win streak against Elmira.
• Elmira's Empire 8 Conference win is its first of the season.
• With the win, Elmira moves into a two-way tie for fourth place in the conference standings.
• Elmira's extends its unbeaten streak to five games.
• EC's win over Utica is the programs first against the Pioneers on the road since 2009.
• The Soaring Eagles improve to .500 on the year and remain unbeaten in conference play.
• Gray tallied his first multi-goal game of the year.
• Gray has scored three times in Elmira's last two games.
• Bryant's goal was his 10th of the year, which leads the Empire 8 Conference.
• Bryant ups his season point total to 23, which is the highest total by an EC player since 2012.
• Bryant's multi-assist game is the first of his two-year Elmira career.
• Aristizabal has scored three times in EC's last four games.
• Barraco's assist is his fifth of the season, which is tied for second-most in the Empire 8.
• Morrison's assist on the game-winning goal is his first collegiate assist.
• Mansell improves to 3-1-2 on the year and 1-0-2 in conference play.

 
Up Next
Elmira will have some time to enjoy today's win, as the Soaring Eagles have a week off before its next contest on Saturday, October 10th, when EC travels to face Nazareth College. Next Saturday's E8 game is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Rochester, NY.