HOUGHTON, NY – Despite dominating in shots and controlling the majority of play, Houghton men's soccer fell at home, 1-0, to Alfred University in a key Empire 8 matchup on Saturday.

Lightning and showers delayed the game for an hour midway through the first half, and it took a few minutes after the break for either to get much going. Freshman sub Brice Bogna was able to create a spark with a couple of headers toward goal, but neither found the net.

Houghton kept pressing in the early stages of the second half, but most of their shots were wide, high or directly to the keeper. Houghton's two best chances were thwarted by the AU keeper within a span of 30 seconds in the 63rd minute. Andrew Bussey was all alone but his shot was turned away with a sliding challenge, then moments later, Zach Shilvock suffered the same fate in his one 1 v 1. 

Alfred was able to get a ball into the box just minutes after those two stops and drew a foul on the Houghton defender. The ensuing penalty kick found the back of the net and gave the visitors the 1-0 lead.

Houghton had one more chance in the 79th minute, but the keeper was again up to the task, fully extending his body to deny a Brice Bogna header that was destined for the upper 90.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 0 | Alfred – 1
Records: Houghton: 4-7 (1-3 E8) | Alfred: 4-9 (3-1 E8)
Venue: Burke Field, Houghton College | Attendance: 300

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton outshot Alfred, 23-9, including an 11-4 edge in shots on goal.
>> Caleb Loew made three saves in net.

UP NEXT
Houghton travels to Keuka for a 7 p.m. contest on Tuesday, October 9.