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UTICA, N.Y. -- Junior midfielder Rikesh Kotak scored the game-winning goal for Nazareth off a free kick in the 77th minute Friday to lift visiting Nazareth to 1-0 men's soccer victory over Utica.

Kotak's first goal of the season enabled Nazareth to win its Empire 8 Conference opener and improved the Golden Flyers' overall record to 4-4. Utica is 0-1 in the E8 and 3-4 overall.

Kotak's goal broke a scoreless tie as he wrapped the shot around a Utica wall from about 15 yards away and into the top right corner for an unassisted score. 

Nazareth dominated the action with a 21-9 edge in shots, including a 9-4 differential in the second half. Sophomore Ryan Platt made his first start of the season in goal for Nazareth and made five saves to gain the shutout.

Nazareth visits SUNYIT Tuesday for a non-conference game at 4 p.m.