Nazareth Snaps Utica's Seven-Game Winning Streak in Men's Soccer
ROCHESTER, NY - Nazareth dealt Utica College its first Empire 8 men's soccer loss of the season defeating them 3-2 Saturday afternoon. With the win, Nazareth remains undefeated in the conference improving to 2-0 and 3-5-2 overall. Utica falls to 7-2, and 1-1 in the Empire 8.
Utica controlled the game early on getting several early scoring opportunities. Shane Wittlemann connected off a corner kick pass from Roberto Sgueglia just 4:40 into the game to give the Pioneers an early 1-0 lead. Nazareth's Ryan Foley tied the game 1-1 at 29:05 scoring his fourth goal of the season off an assist from Liam Connolly. The score remained 1-1 at the end of the first half.
Nazareth's James Wheeler scored his first career goal early in the second at 48:30 to give the Golden Flyers a 2-1 lead. Sean Dorman extended the Golden Flyers lead to two goals at 64:49 scoring his first goal of the season. Both goals were unassisted.
Utica's Sgueglia scored his ninth goal of the season at 66:18 to pull the Pioneers back within one but Nazareth was able to hold on to take the win.
There were a combined 24 fouls including seven yellow cards in a physical game between the two teams. Nazareth out-shot Utica 20-12 and had an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Kyle Connolly made four second half saves to earn the win for Nazareth while Utica's Anthony Caruso made 10 saves in the loss.