HOUGHTON, N.Y. — Houghton men's soccer ended a three-year losing streak to Elmira on Saturday, defeating the Soaring Eagles 4-2 in an Empire 8 matchup at Burke Field.
The Highlanders struck twice in the opening 19 minutes. Nata Souza opened the scoring in the 11th minute on an assist from John Fay before James Fay doubled the lead in the 19th minute with Souza providing the assist. Elmira answered in the 25th minute when Jose Corporan scored on a penalty kick, but Houghton regained its two-goal advantage late in the half.
Eben Schilke scored in the 44th minute on an assist from Judah Kennel, sending Houghton into halftime with a 3-1 lead.
After Joshua Smith stopped an Elmira penalty in the 82nd minute, the visitors were able cut the deficit to one just one minute later when Aadne Aarstad scored. Houghton's Elijah Bailey converted a penalty kick to restore the Highlanders' two-goal advantage with just three minutes left in the contest.
Houghton finished with an 11-5 advantage in shots. Souza recorded a goal and an assist, while James Fay and Schilke each scored. Bailey added a goal, and John Fay and Kennel each contributed an assist. Joshua Smith played all 90 minutes in goal.
The victory improved Houghton to 3-2-4 overall and 1-1-1 in Empire 8 play.
Next Up: Houghton hosts Carlow Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup.
