Score: Alfred University 2, Elmira College 1 (2OT)
Records: Alfred (3-8-0, 2-1-0 E8), Elmira (1-9-0, 0-3-0 E8)
Location: Yunevich Stadium – Alfred, N.Y.
 
ALFRED, N.Y. -- An equalizing goal by freshman Luke LeClair '22 in the second stanza helped the Elmira College men's soccer team force overtime, but the Soaring Eagles would eventually surrender a goal in the second overtime period to Alfred University, resulting in a 2-1 setback.
 
The shot count was fairly close this afternoon, as the Saxons held a 23-17 lead. However, shots on goal were identical at seven apiece. Elmira's pressure in the attacking third paid dividends, as the Purple and Gold were award 11 corner kicks, while Alfred had four.
 
Alfred set the tempo in the first half with a flurry of offense, outshooting the Soaring Eagles by a 12-3 margin. However, Elmira's back line, along with a stout performance between the sticks by goalkeeper Giovanni Garfui '22, frustrated the Saxon attack as only one shot went on target.
 
The best scoring chance in the first half came in the 29th minute when a header by Cody Cronmiller rattled off of the post.
 
Following the halftime break, Elmira launched a pair of shots, but neither found its mark. However, Alfred would go on to take its first lead of the game in the first three minutes of the second stanza on a goal by Raquan Hinds. The scoring play started with Cronmiller, whose initial shot was blocked by an EC defender, but the rebound leaked out to Hinds, who buried the attempt for the score in the 48th minute.
 
The Saxon lead lasted just about 11 minutes until EC's LeClair cashed-in on one of the team's seven second-half corner-kick chances. A perfect service on the corner by Adam Nichols '20 found LeClair, who snapped a header into the net for the equalizing goal in the 59th minute.
 
Elmira was able to hold onto its lead through the end of regulation, but not without a momentary scare. In the 74th minute, Alfred's Tavian Hino was inches away from producing the game-winning tally, but his attempt caromed off the post before the EC defense was able to clear it.
 
With the second half coming to a close, a slew of infractions occurred, resulting in four cards being distributed in a six-minute span. Two yellows were issued to the Saxons and one yellow went to Elmira, but most notably, a red card was given to the Alfred bench and thus an ejection of the Saxons' assistant coach.
 
In the first overtime session, Elmira outshot Alfred, 3-2, and put a pair of shots on target. However, Alfred's Joe Gonzalez came up with saves on both attempts to force another overtime session.
 
Elmira's pressure continued in the second overtime period, as John Broyles '19 placed a shot on frame, but Gonzalez once again turned it away.
 
Unfortunately for Elmira, Alexander Tostanoski provided the game-winning goal in the 103rd minute, as he flicked a header into the right-side netting to secure the win. Alfred's Brennan Jelstrom was credited with the assist on the game-winning score.
 
In His Own Words…
"Despite the outcome, I think the squad displayed some tremendous quality today," said head coach Kevin Brenner. "We were clearly the better side and had more clear-cut scoring chances. However, the name of the game is capitalize on your chances – credit to Alfred for doing so in the overtime period. We continue to progress and if we are already taking the second place team in the league to overtime, then I'd say the future is extremely bright with 8-9 freshman in our starting 11 this year. This is a process and we stick to it."
 
News and Notes

• LeClair scored his first collegiate goal.
• Nichols produced his team-leading fourth assist of the season.
• Garufi made five saves, tying his second-highest total of the year.

 
Up Next
The Soaring Eagles continue their four-game road trip this Wednesday, October 3, when they travel to take on the Express of Wells College. The non-conference bout is slated for 4:00 p.m. in Aurora, New York.