Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over Elmira College on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats fell behind in the first half after Elmira scored in the 15th minute, but SUNY Poly responded late in the second half with two goals in just over a minute. Miguel Casarrubias equalized in the 80th minute before Elijah North scored the game-winner moments later to secure the comeback victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Both teams looked to establish themselves early, with SUNY Poly generating an opportunity in the 10th minute when Marcus Cole put a shot on target that was saved by Elmira goalkeeper Arturo Ruiz Martin.
Elmira broke through in the 15th minute when Adam Tufton found the back of the net to give the Soaring Eagles a 1-0 lead. SUNY Poly looked to respond, with Jael Casimir sending a shot over the goal in the 16th minute.
The Wildcats continued to work for an equalizer throughout the remainder of the first half. Andrew Sprenger sent a shot wide in the 33rd minute, while SUNY Poly earned corner-kick opportunities as it looked to create chances in the attacking third. Elmira carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime.
SUNY Poly came out aggressively in the second half, with Owen Champion recording two shots in the opening three minutes. His first attempt was saved by Martin before he followed with another effort as the Wildcats searched for the equalizer.
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure, earning corner kicks and creating opportunities in the attacking half. Ernest Oppong Asare sent a shot wide in the 60th minute, while Cole and Michael Sacco added attempts late in the half.
The pressure finally paid off in the 80th minute when Casarrubias found the back of the net off an assist from Cole to even the score at 1-1.
Just over a minute later, SUNY Poly struck again. Casarrubias set up North, who scored in the 81st minute to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead and complete the comeback.
Elmira looked to find a late equalizer, but SUNY Poly held firm defensively through the final minutes to preserve the 2-1 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats will next face off with the Keuka College Wolves on Wednesday, October 14th at home starting at 6PM.
