HOUGHTON, N.Y. — Ethan Cruz scored in the first half and Joshua Thompson added an insurance goal in the second as the Houghton men's soccer team defeated SUNY Poly 2-1 in their Empire 8 regular-season home finale at Burke Field on Saturday.
With the win, Houghton improved to 7-4-4 overall and 4-3-1 in conference play, while SUNY Poly moved to 7-8-0 and 3-6-0.
Houghton seized control early when Cruz netted the game's opening goal in the 9th minute off an assist from John Fay. The Highlanders maintained the 1-0 advantage through the remainder of the first half, outshooting the Wildcats 9-4.
In the 72nd minute, Thompson doubled Houghton's lead to 2-0, finding the back of the net with a helper credited to Kealon Knight. SUNY Poly broke through late in regulation when Carson Frisbie scored off an assist from Andrew Sprenger in the 87th minute, but the Highlander defense held firm to secure the victory.
Houghton goalkeeper Joshua Smith played all 90 minutes and recorded 2 saves. SUNY Poly split time in net between Tyler Barth and Zack Bruder, who combined for 3 saves.
Prior to kickoff, Houghton honored its graduating seniors: Mason Cool, Kealon Knight, Gio Schivo, Sam O'Brien, and Pedro Rebello.
The Highlanders will hit the road for their next match, traveling to face Geneseo on October 21 at 4 p.m.
