Box l Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Visiting Stevens built a 3-0 lead with two first half goals and an early second half goal to defeat Nazareth 3-1 in an Empire 8 men's soccer game on Saturday afternoon. Junior James Wheeler scored the Golden Flyers' lone goal midway through the second half by converting a penalty kick opportunity after a foul in the Ducks' box.

Following the loss, Nazareth slips to 5-4 overall and 1-2 in Empire 8 contests. With the victory, Stevens improves to 8-2 overall and stand atop the conference standings with a 3-0 record.

Curtis Stecyk broke the scoreless tie 23:47 into the first half. After collecting a pass from Zach Adler, Stecyk ripped a shot from the center of the field, just outside the Golden Flyers' box. The shot just got over the outstretched hand of Nazareth goalie #J.P. Horan#. Before the end of the period, the Ducks stretched their lead to two goals. In transition, Adler's initial shot glanced off the crossbar. Joe Cellitti collected the rebound and sent a pass back to Adler. Adler's second shot found the back of the Golden Flyers' net.

Statistically, Stevens controlled the first half with an 11-1 advantage in shots and a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks. Horan finished the first 45 minutes with two saves to keep Nazareth within striking distance.

Junior Ryan Foley opened the second half with a long shot that Paul Killian saved to provide Nazareth with some momentum. Less than 11 minutes later, however, Victor Daza scored following a centering pass by Edward Rupp in front of the Golden Flyers' goal. Daza's goal followed back-to-back saves that Horan made on Daza before he converted his third shot of the possession.

Wheeler's goal, with 28:37 to play in regulation, was set up by the Golden Flyers' attempt to stretch the field. With Nazareth having a numbers advantage on the offensive attack, Quinn Conner made a tackle from behind to receive a yellow card and give Wheeler the penalty kick opportunity. The Ducks' defense fended off the Golden Flyers' attempt to rally with a blocked shot and two saves by Killian in the final 13:06 of the game. Wheeler finished with a team-high two shots on goal. Juniors Luke Elston and Ryan Foley and sophomore Kory Seibt each added a shot on goal for Nazareth.

Horan finished with seven saves in goal for the Golden Flyers, and Killian finished with four saves for Stevens. The Ducks finished the game with a 21-8 advantage in total shots and an 8-2 advantage in corner kick opportunities. Nazareth trimmed its shot deficit to 10-7 in the second half. Daza had a game-high four shots on goal for Stevens.

The Golden Flyers are in action again on Wednesday, October 3rd. Nazareth hosts Geneseo in a non-conference game.