ELMIRA, N.Y. --  The Elmira College men's soccer team came up short in their first Empire 8 conference game of the season as visiting Russell Sage College grabbed a 1-0 victory at Campus Field on Saturday afternoon. The Gators broke through for what would be the game-deciding goal in the 66th minute of play. EC would push to equalize but were unable to find a goal.

JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elmira 0, Sage 1
LOCATION: Elmira, N.Y.
TEAM RECORDS: Elmira (5-2-1, 0-1 E8), Houghton (4-2-0, 2-0 E8)

HOW IT HAPPENED:
It was an intense contest between the conference foes with defense shining throughout. Both teams were unable to find many high quality chances throughout the first half of play and went into the break scoreless. In the 66th minute, El Hadji Iba Sy put the Gators out front with an unassisted goal. The Soaring Eagles would look to respond by pushing men forward throughout the final 24 minutes of play. Six of the Purple & Gold's nine second half shots came during this final push to find an equalizer.

The biggest opportunity came with three minutes to go when senior Moustapha Camara '23 sent in a cross from the left side of the penalty area.  The ball found the head of freshman Kerfalla Toure '26 near the back post and he did his best to flick it towards net. With the goalkeeper out of position, Sage was somehow able to clear the ball off the line. Gavin Wise '22 would sprint in looking to clean it up but the defender was able to block his attempt as well.

UP NEXT:
EC hits the road on Wednesday, September 21 for a non-conference tilt against Hilbert College. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.