Houghton, N.Y. - The Elmira College men's soccer team traveled to Houghton University for an Empire 8 matchup against the Highlanders. Houghton jumped out to an early lead that the Soaring Eagles could not overcome.
LEADERS
Jose Corporan and
Aadne Aarstad were the goalscorers for EC.
Ryan Irizarry Padilla picked up an assist.
Juan Carlos Cruz Gandia,
Juan Ortegon, Aarstad, and Corporan all went the full 90 minutes for the Soaring Eagles.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
As both sides settled in over the opening 10 minutes, Houghton struck first off a set piece. A dangerous cross was deflected by the Highlanders off the post and into the net, giving Cruz Gandia no chance. Houghton doubled its lead shortly after, finding a player at the back post who slotted the ball into the back of the net. As the Soaring Eagles looked to pull one back,
Adam Tufton's shot was blocked by a Houghton handball. Corporan stepped up to take the penalty and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-1. With just a minute remaining in the half, the Highlanders struck on the counterattack to regain their two-goal lead heading into halftime.
As the Soaring Eagles tried to battle back, Corporan struck a free kick well, but the ball glanced off the crossbar. EC continued to press for chances, but Houghton defended well. With eight minutes remaining, Elmira cut its deficit to one as Aarstad headed in a free kick from Irizarry Padilla. The Soaring Eagles could not complete the comeback, as a late penalty helped secure a 4-2 win for the Highlanders.
UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles will stay on the road as they travel to Rochester to face St. John Fisher University on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 PM.
For the latest and most up-to-date information on Elmira College Athletics, please visit athletics.elmira.edu. Follow us on Twitter - @ECSoaringEagles, Instagram - @ecsoaringeagles, YouTube - @ECSoaringEagles, and Facebook by searching Elmira College Athletics.
