HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Alfred University (6-4-2; 2-1-1) scored in the game's first 11 seconds, but the Highlanders were able to recover to record a 2-2 tie against the Saxons in men's soccer action on Burke Field on Saturday.

It didn't take long for the visitors to get on the board. Alfred sent the opening kickoff into the Houghton end and earned a penalty kick when a Highlander defender took down the Saxons forward in the box. Alfred's Jeff Thomas sent the ensuing penalty kick into the top right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead. Houghton pulled even in the 13th minute with a goal from Cory Brautigam (Doylestown, PA, Plumstead Christian), but the Saxons went back up with a header that bounced off the turf and over the outstretched arms of Jacob Dunnett (Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Kennebecasis).

The Highlanders maintained the pressure and once again tied the score in the 38th minute. Jesse Toth (Victor, NY, Victor) hit the ball toward goal and Tyler Groff redirected it past the Saxons keeper.

Houghton went into the half with a 5-4 advantage in shots.

The second half possession tipped in the favor of the Highlanders as they controlled the pace of play and produced the majority of the scoring chances. Houghton outshot Alfred, 8-0, in the second 45 minutes, but couldn't find the go-ahead goal. The best chances came in the 80th and 81st minutes. After a corner, Houghton had two close-range shots blocked. Then another corner produced three more opportunities. Jesse Toth just missed on a header and back-to-back shots by Nic Loew (Center Valley, PA, Southern Lehigh) and Landon Sheaffer (Richfield, PA, East Juniata) were turned aside the Alfred keeper.

The first 10 minutes of extra time saw each team get off a shot, with Alfred's being the most dangerous opportunity. Ian St. Pierre had a point blank header that Dunnett was able to corral. Alfred had three shot opportunities in the final 10 minutes of overtime, but each were grabbed by Dunnett.

Final shots were 15-8 in the Highlanders' favor. Houghton also had a 6-3 edge in corners.

Dunnett made six saves in goal.

Houghton (5-7-1; 1-2-1) returns to action at home vs. Stevens Tech on Saturday, Oct. 18.