HOUGHTON, NY – On a frigid night at Burke Field, the Houghton Highlanders scored a goal in each half and held the Alfred State Pioneers scoreless to pick up their third shutout victory of the season, 2-0.
 
After generating several quality chances midway through the first half, the Highlanders finally broke through in the 39^th minute.  Nicholas D'Angelo played a long angled cross to the six yard box, where Zach Shilvock hit a one-time deflection to Kyle Brown, who pounded the ball, first time, into the back of the net.
 
Houghton added some breathing room in the 73^rd minute when Ben DiCrasto played a lofted ball over the defense to on-running Gabe VanWyk.  VanWyk feinted the attack to create space, saw the keeper off his line, and lofted a shot over his head and into the side netting from 30 yards out.
 
In the remaining minutes the Pioneers pressed forward, creating several golden opportunities, but the Highlander defense remained steady, including two spectacular saves by Caleb Loew and a clutch defensive save by Jeremy Newswanger, to keep the shutout intact. 
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 2 | Alfred State – 0
Records: Houghton: 5-9 | Alfred State: 3-10-2
Venue: Burke Field, Houghton College | Attendance: 102

SCORING SUMMARY

Scoring Summary

Time	Team	Description
39:28		Kyle Brown (1)  Assisted By: Zach Shilvock , Nicholas D'Angelo
72:19		Gabe Vanwyk (4)  Assisted By: Ben Dicrasto

NOTABLE STATS
>> Brown's goal was his first of the season and the second of his career.
 
>> Loew, who made five saves on the night, picked up his first shutout of the season, and the second of his career.

>> VanWyk now has four goals and five assists on the season, tying him for the team lead in total points (13).
 
COACH'S CORNER
"It was nice to put the ball on the net a few times tonight, and to get a clean sheet.  That hasn't happened in a while.

"It wasn't our overall best performance, but Alfred State has the strongest side they have had since we have played them.  To their credit, they were tough.  

"Ben DiCrasto was fantastic tonight, and Elijah Steffen made a big difference for us once we inserted him into the midfield.

"We're looking forward to Saturday vs. Utica." - Head Coach Matthew Webb 
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will take a day off before returning to conference play on Saturday, when they travel to Utica College to take on the Pioneers at 7:00 p.m.