Score: Alfred State 2, Elmira College 0
Records: Alfred State (8-2-2), Elmira (3-10-1)
Location: Campus Field – Elmira, N.Y.
 
ELMIRA, N.Y. -- A pair of second-half shots that caromed off of the crossbar would have greatly impacted today's contest, but instead the Pioneers of Alfred State escaped with a 2-0 victory over the Elmira College women's soccer team on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Pioneers pressured the Soaring Eagles in the opening 12 minutes of action, as Alfred State had a pair of prime scoring chances from eight yards out, but both attempts skimmed over the crossbar. However, the attacking mindset paid off for the Pioneers, who saw their leading scorer, Michayla Salatel, tally twice in the 27th and 43rd minutes.
 
Salatel's game-opening and eventual game-winning goal came on a quick counter attack that began in Alfred State's defensive third. A long over-the-top through-ball found Melissa Mineti on the left wing, where she carried the ball into the box before centering it to Salatel, who one-timed it into the back of the net for the score. Salatel's second goal came with a bit of luck, as Elmira's Cassidy Buchman '22 turned away a trio of shots in succession, but was unable to hang onto the ball, as the rebound leaked out to Salatel who passed it into the net for the score. Mineti was once again credited with an assist on the score.
 
Elmira played at a much higher level in the second stanza, which was reflected by EC's 8-6 advantage in shots. Those additional opportunities produced two quality scoring chances in the 51st and 55th minute by Zoya Katta '21 and Taylor Hanson '21, respectively.
 
From 30 yards out, Katta placed a free kick on target, but her curling shot rattled off the up-left crossbar and out of play. Elmira's other close-call occurred four minutes later when Hanson split a pair of defenders to setup a one-on-one in the box with Alfred State's goalkeeper. It looked as though Hason brought EC within one goal, but her attempt smashed off of the crossbar, as the Pioneers maintained their one-goal lead through the end of the second half to secure the win.
 
Alfred State owned a 23-9 lead in shots, as well as a 12-1 advantage in shots on goal. Corner-kick chances were also in favor of Alfred State, 5-1. Elmira's Buchman finished with nine saves in a full 90 minutes of action.
 
News and Notes

• Elmira hosted its annual Paint the Field Pink Game to raise breast cancer awareness.
• EC donned special pink uniforms for today's contest.
• Buchman made her third start and seventh appearance in goal for EC this season.
• Buchman's nine saves were a season high.

 
Up Next
The Soaring Eagles return to action this Wednesday, October 17, when they host Houghton College in Empire 8 Conference action. The opening kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at EC's Campus Field.