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HOBOKEN, N.J. -- Top-seeded Stevens scored both goals in the second half Sunday to defeat the third-seeded Golden Flyers, 2-0, in the Empire 8 Conference title match for men's soccer.

The Ducks improved to 17-2-1 overall and gained an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament with the victory. Nazareth's season ends with a 12-7-1 overall record.

The Golden Flyers employed a defensive strategy against the heavily favored Ducks and were successful in keeping Stevens off the scoreboard until the 56th minute. The Ducks had multiple scoring opportunities in the first half with a 15-0 advantage in shots plus five corner kicks. Nazareth keeper Brian Wilkin had a busy afternoon as Stevens delivered 29 shots overall, resulting in eight saves .

Chris Cesario converted the game-winning tally for the Ducks off an assist from Daniel Aversano. A second yellow card to Nazareth defender Adrian Padilla followed and the Golden Flyers were forced to play the rest of the match with just 10 players. The Ducks broke through again in the 73rd minute as Cristiano Hocken scored off an assist from Andrew Masur.

Nazareth, meanwhile, managed just two shots -- both by Jake Adams -- with just one aimed at the goal. Stevens keeper Aaron Henry made the routine save.