Elmira, NY – The EC Men’s Soccer teamed opened up Empire 8 play with an impressive 1-0 victory over the Tigers of RIT. Today’s contest was played very even as both teams matched the others effort on the pitch.
RIT controlled most of the first half as they were able to out-shoot Elmira 11-8. Both sides would have opportunities to score but solid play between the posts kept the game at a 0-0 tie entering halftime.
EC had a bit of a scare to start the second half as RIT forward Bret Diaz ’11 (Harrisburg, PA -- Bishop McDevitt) would connect on a volley that would bang off the crossbar at the 45:55 mark. The game would go back and forth as both teams found themselves desperately looking to strike first. Each team had ample opportunities but EC capitalized on a great run by first year standout Ernesto Valverde ’14 (East Hampton, NY -- East Hampton). Valverde would beat two defenders down the sideline before making a perfect cross to fellow classmate Scott Leone ’14 (Guilford, CT -- Guilford) who would find the back of the net for a goal at the 88:57 mark. This would put EC on top for good as they would go on to take the E8 opener 1-0.
Defensively Elmira stepped up to the challenge as they were up against a very talented group in the RIT Tigers. Defensive backs Joe Milligan ’14 (Pasadena, MD -- Pasadena) and Edward Michelson ’12 (Winsted, CT -- Cheshire Academy) really set the tone in the back as they seemed to be involved in every RIT attack. Third year keeper Jared Micheller ’12 (Avon, CT -- Winchendon School) earned a clean sheet win as he made 10 saves in 90 minutes of action.