Alfred, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Alfred University on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats fell behind in the 13th minute before Nazim Harizi converted a penalty kick early in the second half to level the match. Alfred regained the lead in the 78th minute and held on for the victory. Zack Bruder made five saves in goal for the Wildcats.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
SUNY Poly created an early opportunity when Michael Sacco had a shot blocked in the ninth minute, but Alfred broke through shortly after when Xavier Bowman scored in the 13th minute off an assist from Jesus De La Torre.
The Wildcats continued to battle for an equalizer, with Johnpaul Jerome recording a shot in the 29th minute. Alfred goalkeeper Tyler Mulholland turned aside Poly's chances while the Saxons continued to hold their one-goal advantage.
Bruder kept SUNY Poly within striking distance, making a save on a shot from Bowman in the 21st minute. Alfred also sent several other attempts wide of the goal as the Wildcats entered halftime trailing 1-0.
SUNY Poly quickly responded after halftime when Harizi converted a penalty kick in the 49th minute to even the match at 1-1.
The Wildcats carried the momentum following the equalizer, generating several scoring opportunities. Harizi had a shot blocked, while Ernest Oppong Asare and Jael Casimir each put shots wide. Marcus Cole also forced a save from Mulholland in the 63rd minute.
SUNY Poly continued to pressure the Alfred defense as Casimir added two more attempts, including a blocked shot, while the Wildcats earned corner kicks in the 56th and 76th minutes.
Alfred regained the lead in the 78th minute when Jesus De La Torre scored off an assist from Lawrence John Taylor. Bruder made a save on De La Torre's initial attempt moments earlier before the Saxon forward found the back of the net to put Alfred ahead 2-1.
The Wildcats continued to push for an equalizer late in the match. Owen Champion had a shot blocked in the 81st minute before hitting the crossbar in the 86th minute. Carson Frisbie also recorded a shot in the final minutes, but Alfred held on for the 2-1 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, October 7, when they host Russell Sage College at 6 p.m.
