Men's Soccer Takes down Alfred in Double Overtime

ELMIRA, NY - Second year forward Brian Haschke ’10 (Pittsburgh, PA -- Deer Lakes) netted the game winning goal at the 100th minute mark, giving the Soaring Eagles (3-7-1, 1-2 E8) their first conference win of the year.

This afternoon’s match was a back and forth battle between two evenly matched teams. Both teams had their chances to end the scoreless tie in regulation, but neither could find the back of their opponent’s nets.

The first half saw a lot of tough physical play, with EC dominating most of the action for the first 20 minutes. Following that, Alfred began to level the playing field, holding the Soaring Eagles in their defensive third for the rest of the first half. Goalkeeper Jon DePrimo ’09 (Elmira, NY -- Southside) saw a good amount of action come his way, but was unfazed by the advancing Saxon offense. EC’s defense did not allow a shot to come DePrimo’s way for the first 45 minutes.

The second half was equally as intense as the first. EC and Alfred’s physical play began to increase and with it so did the fouls. However, despite many efforts the Purple and Gold were unable earn the go ahead goal. As time winded down in regulation, both teams were looking for the offensive spark that was going to keep them out of overtime play.

As the final horn for regulation sounded, it was now do or die for the Soaring Eagles. EC needed the win today to keep their post season dreams alive, going into the final 6 games of the season, 4 of which are Empire 8 conference matches.

The first overtime period did not see any action on either side of the field. Both teams were unable to really advance the ball through the middle third of the field. It was not until the second overtime period that EC was able to seal the victory on a great play from defender Paul Friend ’09 (East Greenwich, RI -- East Greenwich) and forward Tim Certosimo ’10 (Mahwah, NJ -- Mahwah).

Friend was able to lay a pass off to Certosimo, who then flicked the ball over the Alfred’s defensive line, which landed perfectly on Haschke’s foot. Haschke then looked at the goal, and placed it exactly where he wanted it securing the win.

This afternoon’s overtime victory marks the fourth game this season, where the Soaring Eagles were forced to go to the overtime periods.

Men’s Soccer will look to continue their winning ways tomorrow afternoon, when they take on St. John Fisher College in an Empire 8 conference match at 1 p.m. at Campus Field.

Alfred University 0, Elmira College 1 (2OT)
Box Score

Alfred University (1-8-1, 0-3 E8)      0      0      (0)      (0)     --     0
Elmira College (3-7-1, 1-2 E8)        0      0     (0)       (1)     --     1

Scoring: E-Brian Haschke (Tim Certosimo, Paul Friend) 100:12
Shots: A-11, E-14; Saves: A-Patrick Grimmer 3, Jon DePrimo 4
Corner kicks: A-3, E-7