Pioneers Battle Mt. Aloysius Tough

The Alfred State men's soccer team battled back and forth with a strong Mt. Aloysuis squad on Sunday afternoon to wrap up Homecoming 2017 festivities. The Mounties scored two goals in the final 10:06 to earn the 3-1 victory.

The Pioneers took the early lead on the Mounties (13-2-1) with a pair of outstanding individual efforts. Brandon Holley (Livonia) made a move and sent a through ball to Kory Zimmer (Livonia) was able to flick a shot past the goalkeeper.

Christopher Godet tied it at the 21:18 mark of the contest when he headed in a corner kick from Will Funez.

The next 58 minutes featured physical play on both sides of the ball with neither team able to capitalize on any of their chances. Will Funez broke the tie with 10:06 remaining in the contest when he was able to clean up a rebound and put it past the keeper. He added an insurance goal after making a nice move in the 85th minute. Hayford Okyere was credited with the assist.

Mt. Aloysius held a 22 to 7 shot advantage in the contest (14 to 5 shots on goal). Allister Noronha made four saves in net to earn the victory while Johnny Starzee (Babylon/West Babylon) made 11 saves for the blue & gold.

Prior to the game the soccer coaching staff honored nine players (John Mormino, Holley, Jake Vattimo, Zimmer, Bryan Whitbeck, Joe Geegba, Zachary Curran, Adam Wilkins, and Dillon Fairhead) who will be wrapping up their careers at Alfred State.  

The Pioneers play their final home of the season on Thursday when they host Allegany County rivals Houghton at 7 p.m.