The Pioneers controlled much of the play throughout the contest, outshooting the Broncos 15-7 and holding a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks. Alfred State consistently pressured the SUNY Delhi defense and created several quality scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half.
SUNY Delhi opened the scoring in the 28th minute and carried a 1-0 lead into halftime despite the Pioneers controlling possession and generating several attacking chances.
The Broncos extended their lead early in the second half, finding the back of the net in the 48th minute to make it 2-0.
Alfred State responded immediately. Just three minutes later,
Wyatt Evingham converted a pass from
Tommy Dimaggio to cut the deficit in half and shift the momentum back toward the Pioneers. Evingham paced the Alfred State attack with five shots, including three on goal.
The Pioneers continued to push forward in search of the equalizer, generating multiple scoring opportunities as
Colin Martin and
Joevany Alvarez helped fuel the offensive attack.
Alfred State's chances increased in the 77th minute when SUNY Delhi was reduced to 10 players following a red card. The Pioneers controlled much of the remaining action and spent the closing minutes applying sustained pressure in the attacking third but were unable to find the tying goal before the final whistle.
Goalkeeper
Lukas Bandurski played all 90 minutes for Alfred State, making three saves and keeping the Pioneers within striking distance throughout the match.
Despite the result, the Pioneers delivered one of their strongest attacking performances of the season, controlling play for long stretches and battling until the final whistle. Alfred State will look to build on that effort as it prepares for its next conference matchup.
The Pioneers will be back next week as they travel to Buffalo, NY to take on Buffalo State at 4 pm for their next conference game.
