HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- The Elmira College men's soccer team began its spring season on Wednesday night with a heart-breaking 1-0 loss at Houghton College.

Despite being outshot 23-to-3, the Soaring Eagles (0-1) held the Highlanders (1-0) off the scoreboard for over 83 minutes. Houghton's attack never waned late into the second half, however, and that aggressiveness in the offensive third finally paid off in the 84th minute.

After EC goalie Zachary Raffino '23 deflected a header wide of the net, the Highlanders set up a corner kick to the left of the cage. The first shot on the corner attempt was blocked inside the six-yard box by an Elmira defenseman, but the rebound wasn't cleared, and Houghton's Noah Ewing cashed in on a point-blank attempt inside the left post.

The Highlanders were given a great opportunity to double their lead on a free kick from about 22 yards out with less than four minutes to play in regulation. Raffino dove to his left to make a great save, and this time the ball was quickly cleared upfield.

Raffino, who played the full 45 minutes in the second half, made a game-high five saves. Starting keeper Giovanni Garufi '22 stopped two shots and did not allow a goal in the opening half.

Local product Gavin Wise '22 provided two shots for the Soaring Eagles. Elmira's third shot was taken by Italian native Tommaso Garavaglia '23.

News and Notes

• Wednesday's game marked Elmira's season-opener, as the fall 2020 campaign was postponed to the spring due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Raffino made his collegiate debut in the second half, stopping five of the six shots on goal he faced.
• Garufi started in goal for the Soaring Eagles, the 21st start of the junior's career.
• Wise paced the Soaring Eagles with two shots.
• Moustapha Camara '23 made his first career start at midfield for EC.
• Freshman German Cruz '24 made his first appearance in Purple and Gold.

Up Next
Elmira's non-traditional 2021 season continues on Monday, March 22, when the Soaring Eagles visit the Pioneers of Utica College. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in Utica, New York.