Elmira, N.Y. - The Elmira College men's soccer team hosted the Pioneers of Alfred State in the final non-conference match of the season. Alex King's late winner lifted the Soaring Eagles to a victory.
LEADERS
King scored the only goal of the match, with Adam Tufton picking up the assist. Arturo Ruiz Martin recorded four saves to earn the clean sheet. Hernan Arenas and Alejo Guzman Romero Jr. both played the full 90 minutes, anchoring the back line.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Pioneers controlled possession for much of the first half as EC looked to pounce on the counterattack. Ruiz Martin made a strong save on the Pioneers' first big chance of the game to give the Soaring Eagles a momentum boost. Tufton recorded EC's first shot of the game, narrowly missing the goal. Dorian Samson forced a save from the Alfred State goalkeeper toward the end of the half to keep things scoreless at the break.
The Pioneers won three corners early in the second half, all of which were defended well by the Soaring Eagles. EC began to dictate the match as the half progressed, controlling possession and creating chances. Guzman Romero Jr.'s half-volley went just over the Pioneers' goal with 30 minutes remaining. Shots from Luka Tatanashvili and King tested the Alfred State goalkeeper, but he made strong stops. With two minutes remaining, Tufton fired a long-range shot off the post. The rebound fell to King, whose composed finish found the back of the net to give Elmira a late victory.
UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles will travel to Houghton for their road match of the season on Saturday, September 26. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.
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