PITTSFORD, NY – A late second-half push wasn't enough, as Houghton men's soccer lost 2-1 against conference-leading Nazareth on the road Saturday.

The Highlanders fell behind 2-0 by the midway point of the first half, but Houghton regained their composure and played even with the hosts throughout the rest of the contest. Ben DiCrasto got the Highlanders on the board in the 41st minute with his team-leading seventh goal of the year, heading in a corner kick from Logan Schrock.

The teams played scoreless the rest of the way, but Houghton made it interesting late, earning several corners and just missing on a few scoring chances; the most dangerous coming in the 42nd minute when Paul Mitchell ripped a shot from the top of the box that was tipped over the bar by the leaping Naz keeper.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 1 | Nazareth – 2
Records: Houghton: 5-6-5 (0-2-3 E8) | Nazareth: 11-2-3 (4-0-1 E8)
Venue: Kidera Field | Pittsford, NY | Attendance: 278

SCORING SUMMARY

16:11		Jake Adams (9);  Assisted By: Dereck France
21:38		Francesco Viavattene (1); Assisted By: Justin Pumputis
40:56		Ben Dicrasto (7); Assisted By: Logan Schrock

NOTABLE STATS
>> Nazareth outshot Houghton, 15-10, on the day. Shots were even at 6-6 in the second half.
>> Houghton had an 8-5 edge in corners
>> Caleb Loew stopped four shots in goal
>> The loss ends Houghton's post-season chances. With one game remaining, Houghton is in sixth position with 3 points. With a win over Sage next week, the Highlanders could move to 6 points. However St. John Fisher (5 points) and Alfred (3 points) play each other next week and each team holds a tiebreaker over the Highlanders for the final post-season spot. Regardless of the result of that contest, Houghton would find themselves on the outside looking in.

UP NEXT
The Highlanders close their season Saturday, November 2 at 3:30 p.m. when they host Sage.