Score: Elmira College 0 – Nazareth College 0
Records: Elmira (4-9-2, 1-4-1 E8), Nazareth (4-8-2, 0-4-2 E8)
Location: Marty Harrigan Field – Elmira, N.Y.
 
ELMIRA, N.Y. -- On a cold and breezy day at the Ernie Davis Academy Marty Harrigan Field, the Elmira College men's soccer team played the Golden Flyers of Nazareth College to a 0-0 double-overtime draw.
 
Elmira nearly claimed the first lead of the game in the 38th minute on a nicely built play by the Soaring Eagles. Tony Barraco '18 began then play with a well-placed long ball down the left-field sideline to Michael Bryant '18, who sent a cross into the 18-yard box. Bryant's pass found Donte Donegal '18 in the middle of the box, but Donegal's shot flew past the right post.
 
Elmira outshot Nazareth 7-to-5 in the opening 45 minutes, although EC's accuracy left a bit to be desired, as all seven missed the target.
 
Nazareth's Dereck France produced the team's most-lethal attempt of the game in the 57th minute. On a set piece from 19 yards out, a handful of Golden Flyers dispersed and gave France a clear look at the goal. France rifled a shot towards the upper left corner but his attempt skimmed past the post.
 
A little over two minutes later, Elmira's Aidan Gray '19 had two prime opportunities to put the Purple and Gold on top. Both of his attempts came from six yards out, but the first was blocked while Nazareth's Nate Ripic made a diving save to stop Gray's second shot.
 
Neither team was able to capitalize on their second-half chances, forcing a pair of 10-minute overtime periods.
 
Nazareth controlled the first overtime period, holding Elmira without a shot while producing three of its own, two of which made their way on frame. Thankfully EC's Jordan Hodlofski '17 turned away both shots on goal to force another overtime session.
 
The momentum was all on Elmira's side in the second overtime period, as the Soaring Eagles outshot the Golden Flyers, 4-1. Of Elmira's four shots, none were closer than Bryant's attempt in the 105th minute.
 
Bryant, who was three yards away from the goal line, leaned into a hard-hit cross and chested the ball towards the goal. It looked as though Bryant's shot crossed the goal line, but Nazareth's Ripic made another diving save to keep Elmira off of the scoreboard. The near-score was the last quality look from either team, as the game ended in a 0-0 double-overtime tie.
 
Turning Point
After a full 90 minutes of regulation and 10 minutes of overtime, Elmira had a prime scoring chance in the 105th minute. Standing just four yards away from the goal line, Bryant chested a hard-hit cross that looked like it crossed the goal line. However, Nazareth's Ripic made a diving save to deny the attempt and the sideline official confirmed that the ball had not crossed the goal line, all but sealing a 0-0 double-overtime draw.
 
Inside the Box Score

• Nazareth held a slim lead in shots, 21-20.
• Eight of Naz's attempts made their way on frame, while five of EC's shots were on goal.
• Elmira held the edge in corner kick chances, 6-2.
• Bryant finished with nine of Elmira's 20 shots.
• Donegal logged four shots for EC.
• Hodlofski recorded eight saves in 110 minutes of action.  

 
News and Notes

• Elmira is 3-1-2 in home games this year.
• EC is 0-1-2 in overtime games this season.
• The Soaring Eagles sit in sixth place in the E8 standings.
• Elmira has been eliminated from E8 postseason play.
• Hodlofski made a career-high eight saves.
• Hodlofski logged the first shutout of his EC career.

 
Up Next
Elmira plays in its final home game of the year this Wednesday, October 26th, when the Soaring Eagles welcome King's College (Pa.) for a 3:00 p.m. non-league contest. The bout with the Monarchs will serve as Elmira's Class of 2017 Recognition Day, where EC will honor its graduating members of the program.