Men's Soccer | 9/30/2023 9:13:00 PM
UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's soccer team (3-4-2, 1-0-1 Empire 8) picked up a crucial Empire 8 win over the Nazareth College Golden Flyers on Saturday, 1-0. The Golden Flyers fell to 7-1-1 in 2023 and 2-1 in E8 play.
Byamungu Mugushu netted the lone tally in the 66th minute for what was his fifth goal of the season. Anderson Velazquez assisted on the score.
Each team fired off 13 shots in the game while the Pioneers held the advantage on goal, 7-3. Mugushu was responsible for three looks on net while off the bench, James Williams got off a pair. Eduardo Paez continued his solid play in goal with three saves in the shutout win.
The Pioneers controlled the offensive zone through the majority of the first half of action. However, The Golden Flyers were set up in prime position with a penalty kick in the 22nd minute. With Jake Pawlika lined up, Paez made the clutch save to keep the game scoreless.
In the second half, Utica applied pressure with shots by Anderson Velazquez and Noah Nassberg that each sailed wide.
However, Utica broke through just before the 67th minute when a bounce allowed Byamungu Mugushu to find open field. With Mugushu starting to make way downfield, the senior had defenders beat and with the Nazareth goalie charging, made a quick move to get the ball past for the lead.
From there, Peaz and the Utica defense locked down the Nazareth attack with the Golden Eagles outshooting the Pioneers 6-1 over the final 23 minutes of play. However, none of which made it on goal and Utica held on for the league win.
Utica will hit the road on Wednesday, October 4 to take on Hartwick College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
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