Houghton, NY– The Houghton College Men's soccer team faced the Golden Eagles of Nazareth in the Empire 8 Championship matchup on Saturday afternoon.

The first half began with both teams taking the first few minutes to shake off the championship jitters. Once they wore off, both teams started to show why they are the first and second seed in the Empire 8. Nazareth had the upper hand offensively as they led the shot battle 8-2 over houghton in the first half. Two of these shots would get past Sam Carpenter giving the Golden Eagles a 2-0 lead. Drew Decker was able to score in the 26th minute of the match followed 4 minutes later by Sam Smyth.  The Highlanders did not have the same outcome as neither of their shots found the back of the net, sending them into the locker room down 2-0.

The second half gave the Highlanders new life and an extra boost in their step. They were able to triple their first half shot total and put Naz in some difficult situations, They also were able to improve on the defensive end as they held Nazareth to only two shots which were unsuccessful. Although the Highlanders came out with this new energy, they were unable to capitalize and ultimately fell to Nazareth 2-0. 

GAME VITALS Score: Houghton – 0 | Nazareth- 2  Venue: Golden Flyer Stadium | Attendance: 475

NOTABLE STATS

>>  Nazareth out-shot Houghton 10-8.

>> Houghton Goalkeeper, Sam Carpenter, recorded three saves on the day while allowing two goals in the contest.