ONEONTA, NY – The Alfred State men's soccer team struck first against nationally ranked SUNY Oneonta on Saturday afternoon, but the Red Dragons used a strong second half to earn the victory over the Pioneers.
Alfred State came out ready to compete against the nation's top-ranked team and grabbed the early advantage in the 21st minute.
Tommy Dimaggio set up
Josh Lewandusky, who finished the scoring chance for his eighth goal of the season and a 1-0 Pioneer lead.
The Pioneers' defense and goalkeeper
Lukas Bandurski helped protect the advantage throughout much of the opening half. Bandurski delivered one of his best performances of the season, highlighted by a penalty-kick save and several key stops to keep Alfred State in front.
Oneonta eventually found the equalizer in the 37th minute, sending the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
The Red Dragons seized momentum early in the second half, scoring a pair of goals less than two minutes apart to take control of the match. Oneonta added another goal later in the period to secure the conference victory.
Despite the final score, Alfred State continued to battle throughout the afternoon against one of Division III's premier programs. Bandurski recorded nine saves in the contest, while
Marcus Tittle added a save in relief. The Pioneers' goalkeepers combined for 10 saves against Oneonta's attack.
Lewandusky paced the Alfred State offense with a goal and three shots, while Dimaggio finished with the assist. The Pioneers registered six total shots and four shots on goal.
