Score: Elmira College 3, Alfred University 3
Records: Elmira College (2-4-2), Alfred University (6-1-2)
Location: Campus Field | Elmira, NY
 
Elmira, NY -- In what could very well turn out to be the most physical game of the season, the Elmira College men's soccer team played visiting Alfred University to a 3-3 double overtime tie, despite playing with just 10 men for nearly 55 minutes. This afternoon's stalemate gives the Soaring Eagles two conference points, as the Elmira men sit mid-table in the Empire 8 standings.
 
Elmira put up the game's first goal in the 12th minute of play, when Chris Aristizabal '16 scored his second goal in as many games.  On an EC corner kick, a ball sent in by Tony Barraco '18 would get punched out by Alfred netminder Chris Gutierrez but the ball would not clear box, and instead, found its way to Aristizabal from about 8 yards out.  Once receiving the ball, Aristizabal lined up the shot and rifled it on frame, as the ball caromed of the inside post and into the back of the net for the score.
 
The Saxons answered in the 23rd minute, when James Piombino connected on a header in the box, flicking it overtop EC goalie Austin Mansell '16 for the goal. Piombino's goal came on a set piece, as Richard Lander assisted on the goal by sending the ball into the mixer for Piombino to finish. 
 
Following the Alfred goal, EC upped the pressure on offense by sending long balls in the Alfred goalie box, forcing Gutierrez to make several plays on the ball.  However, one in particular at the 23:45 mark raised a few eyebrows, as Gutierrez made his way to the edge of the box to grab a bouncing ball that was just outside the box.  It looked as though he may have stepped out of the box when making a turn, but no call was made as play resumed.
 
Just about two minutes later, Elmira nearly reclaimed their led, when Kyle Beekman '18 had a pair of shots inside the box.  Unfortunately, both attempts were stuffed by Saxon defenders, as the game remained tied, 1-1.
 
The last quality goal-scoring opportunity in the first half occurred with about 15 minutes left in the opening stanza, when Aidan Gray '19 made a great attempt at a volley.  Gray's attempt had some pace to it but his shot would sail wide as the halftime break approached.
 
Elmira wasted little time to get back on the scoreboard in the second half, as Michael Bryant '17 scored in the 48th minute to give the Purple and Gold a 2-1 lead.  Bryant's goal was setup by Captain Jack Lano '16, whose cross from the left side of the field found Bryant at the top of the box.  From there, Bryant chested the ball down and buried a shot with his left foot into the back of the net.
 
A little under seven minutes would pass before the Soaring Eagles took a 3-1 lead, thanks to another goal by Bryant, his eighth of the season. Bryant's goal came on a penalty kick at 54:02 mark. 
 
Then, at the 55:06 mark, the entire complexion of today's game changed dramatically, when Mike Walker '16 was called for an intentional hand ball in the box.  The call would not only give Alfred a penalty kick but also a red card to Walker, forcing the Soaring Eagles to play the remained of today's contest with just 10 men.  Alfred's Lander would make good on the ensuing penalty shot, as the Saxons cut EC's lead to just one.
 
Despite playing a man down, Elmira still managed to create opportunities, none better than in the 76th minute, when Andrew Spitznogle '19 put a shot on frame that looked to be heading straight for the twine.  Unfortunately, Spitznogle's attempt was blocked at the last second by an Alfred defender, as the Purple and Gold clung to their 3-2 lead.
 
With less than three minutes to play, Elmira failed to clear a ball in their own defensive end and followed it up with a foul, giving the Saxons a free kick from 25 yards out.  Lander, who scored an assisted on previous Alfred goals, stepped up to the free kick and sent a low powerful shot into the box. Lander's attempt was deflected inside the box by Omar Mohamed, who tipped the ball past an outstretched Mansell for the score.
 
Mohamed's goal would hold up through regulation, as well as the two overtime periods, as today's contest ended in a 3-3 double overtime draw. 
 
In Their Own Words…
Head Coach Keith Moore on his team's performance…
"Again, we left everything on the field. Again, we were on empty. We found ourselves on the wrong end of some calls but our guys respond time and time again that they will not be beat. Especially for our young guys, that is something they can take with them later in their careers. The result stings a little bit but in the grand scheme of things, it is just fantastic what these guys will take away from today's game."
 
Coach Moore on earning another result in conference play…
"It's still huge to get a result today against a good Alfred team. Our guys know they can play with anyone in this conference now. This one was another big game and we knew that coming in. Alfred has been having great results lately so it's great for our confidence moving forward." 
 
Turning Point
Without a doubt, today's turning point was the Mike Walker red card in the 56th minute.  Up until that point, Elmira held a 3-1 lead and an 11-to-4 advantage in shots, as the Soaring Eagles held the Saxons without a shot for the opening 10 minutes of the second stanza.  However, from that point on, Alfred would outscore Elmira 2-0 and hold a 15-to-6 advantage in shots.
 
Inside the Box Score

• Alfred held a 19-to-17 lead in shots and a 9-to-6 edge in shots on goal.
• Elmira outshot Alfred 9-to-6 in the first half.
• Corner kicks were pretty even, with Alfred holding a slight 6-to-5 lead.
• Two of Elmira's three goals were unassisted.
• Aristizabal's goal was unassisted as was Bryant's penalty kick.
• Bryant scored twice, with his first goal being assisted by Lano.
• Nine cards were distributed this afternoon, eight yellows and one red.
• Six of the nine cards were handed out to Elmira, including the game's lone red card.
• Mansell made five saves and there was a team save as well for Elmira.

 
News and Notes

• Today's tie gives Elmira two Empire 8 Conference points, putting EC in a two-way tie for fifth place in the conference standings with Stevens Institute of Technology.
• Elmira remains unbeaten in conference play through their first two E8 contests.
• Alfred's mini two-game win streak ended this afternoon with the tie.
• Alfred is unbeaten in their last eight games.
• Bryant scored his first goal since his hat trick effort against Hilbert College two weekends ago.
• Bryant's multi-goal game is his second of the season.
• Lano's assist is the first of his Elmira College career.

 
Up Next
Elmira returns to Campus Field this Tuesday, September 29th, when the Soaring Eagles welcome the Pacers of Marywood University for a non-conference tilt.  Tuesday's game is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and is the final game of Elmira's four-game homestand.