ELMIRA, N.Y. -- High pressure and timely finishing were key for the Elmira College men's soccer team this evening, as the Soaring Eagles shutout visiting Alfred State by a 2-0 final score at EC's Campus Field. The win was Elmira's first season-opening victory since 2013.
The Soaring Eagles (1-0-0) held a 9-5 advantage in shots over the Pioneers (0-1-0), as well as a lopsided 5-1 lead in corner kicks.
Adam Nichols '20 and
Donovan Sewell '23 led the charge for the Soaring Eagles, as both scored one goal apiece. Nichols also finished with an assist on Sewell's goal, while first-year transfer
Jake Meyer '21 was credited with an assist on Nichols' game-opening tally.
Elmira's high press produced several scoring chances early on, as the Purple and Gold peppered visiting keeper Nate Moulton with a trio of attempts within the first 17 minutes of action. The constant attack allowed Elmira to take a one-goal lead in the 22nd minute.
Following an Alfred State foul, Elmira was awarded a free kick deep inside the attacking third. Meyer, who lined up to take the free kick, rolled a pass to an unmarked Nichols, who carried the ball into the box before slotting it near-post for the game-opening and eventual game-winning goal.
Elmira doubled its lead less than three minutes later thanks to the scrappy efforts of Nichols, who won a 50-50 ball along the left sideline that set up a 2-on-1 opportunity. From there, Nichols dribbled into the box and hit a low-lining cross to Sewell, who routinely buried the shot into the back of the net.
The Purple and Gold held onto their 2-0 lead for the remainder of the contest, much thanks to Elmira's stellar back line that held the Pioneers to just two shots on goal for the entirety of the match, both of which were snuffed out by EC's starting netminder
Giovanni Garufi '22.
In His Own Words
Head Coach
Kevin Brenner shares his thoughts on today's win…
"It's great to open the season in winning fashion. The players worked extremely hard, despite some nervous energy, and were able to play our style throughout the game. There are lots to work on moving forward, but nonetheless a great start, and for the first time in six years the program has an opening-day win."
News and Notes
- Elmira won its first season-opening game since 2013.
- Elmira picked up its first shutout in a season-opener since 2012.
- EC logged its first shutout win since a 1-0 victory over Wells (10/3/18).
- Nichols led Elmira with three points on one goal and one assist.
- Nichols scored this evening's the game-winner.
- Sewell scored his first collegiate goal.
- Meyer logged his first assist as a Soaring Eagle.
- Garufi earned his first win of the year and second shutout of his career.
Up Next
The Soaring Eagles return to action on Sunday, September 1, when they welcome SUNY Canton to the grassy pitch at Campus Field. Kick-off is slated for 2:00 p.m.
