ALFRED, N.Y. -- James Fay scored his team-leading fifth goal of the season and Caleb Luce got the game-winner with his first career goal as Houghton men's soccer beat Alfred, 2-1, on the road Saturday afternoon.

Fay opened the scoring in the 16th minute off an assist from Daniele Schivo. The pair teamed up for a textbook give and go that featured a beautiful backheel pass from Fay to send Schivo toward the touch line. Fay continued his run toward net and one-timed the centering pass past the Saxons keeper.

The Saxons responded to tie the score just before half, and the hosts held a 14-5 shots advantage over the first 45 minutes. Alfred had a few moments where they were able to send a number of shots toward the Houghton goal, the second of which culminated with the equalizer.

The teams played evenly through the early portion of the second half with Alfred producing five more shots and Houghton getting three more. But it was Houghton's fourth shot of the half that proved to be the difference. Luce took a pass from Isaiah McCarthy, touched the ball past a defender to his right, and ripped a low drive from 20 yards out that slipped inside the right post.

Five minutes later, the Highlanders were blessed when an Alfred penalty kick deflected off the crossbar, preserving the win.

The result broke a three-game winless for the Highlanders against the Saxons.

Joshua Smith made five saves in 90 minutes to earn the win.

The Saxons outshot the Highlanders, 23-10.

Houghton hosts Brockport in their next outing on Wednesday, October 1 at 7 p.m.