HOUGHTON, N.Y. — Houghton University struck twice following a 30-minute weather delay late in the second half to top Empire 8 Conference rival Nazareth University 4-2 on Wednesday night at Burke Field.
The victory marks the Highlanders' first win over the Golden Flyers since 2021, ending a six-match winless streak (0-5-1) against Nazareth. The crucial conference victory boosts Houghton (5-3-4, 2-2-1 E8) in its pursuit of an Empire 8 playoff berth, while dropping Nazareth to 6-3-0 overall and 4-2-0 in conference play.
With the match tied 2-2 in the 80th minute, play was halted for 30 minutes due to lightning in the area.
Houghton seized momentum immediately upon returning to the pitch. Just 30 seconds after the restart,
Nata Souza scored his second goal of the night off an assist from
Kealon Knight in the 80th minute (79:02) to put the Highlanders ahead 3-2.
Adrian Rodriguez then put the game out of reach in the final minute (89:13), netting a goal off an assist from
James Fay to lock up the 4-2 win.
The physical match featured early offense from both sides.
James Fay opened the scoring for Houghton in the 7th minute off passes from
John Fay and Souza. Nazareth quickly answered 112 seconds later when Joey Weaver converted an assist from Mason Stanco.
The Golden Flyers took a 2-1 lead in the 20th minute on an unassisted goal by Tyler Warmington, but Souza drew Houghton level just 61 seconds later to send the game into halftime tied at two.
Highlander goalkeeper
Joshua Smith stopped five shots to earn the victory, while Nazareth keeper Bryan Tirado recorded two saves in the loss. Nazareth outshot Houghton 14-7 overall, but the Highlanders made the most of their chances, placing six of seven shots on goal.
Houghton remains home for another Empire 8 matchup on Saturday, Oct. 10, hosting Keuka College at Burke Field at 3:30 p.m.
