PITTSFORD, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team traveled to St. John Fisher College on Saturday for its Empire 8 regular season finale. The Saxons (7-11, 3-3 Empire 8) came through with a huge 1-0 victory against the Cardinals to clinch the three seed in the Empire 8 playoffs.
In the win, Justin Eaton (Williamson, NY / Williamson) came in clutch with his 13th goal of the season to break the Alfred University single season scoring record.
That goal by Eaton also was the difference maker to send the Saxons to the 2019 Empire 8 Playoffs.
The first half was evenly matched as the Saxons were able to put a shot on goal but did not find the back of the net.
The second half way more of the same along with John Nadolne (Port Washington, Schreiber) coming away with a few huge saves to keep the Cardinals off of the board.
Just as the match reached the later minutes of the second half, a handball was called to set Alfred up in a great position.
Eaton then converted off of a set piece in the 89th minute to send the Saxons to a thrilling late victory and clinch a spot in the Empire 8 tournament.
"Unbelievable effort by the team to win the last three games in the Empire 8 to get into the playoffs," Head Coach Tracy Blake said. "Very excited to play Sage on Wednesday and a HUGE shout out to Justin [Eaton] for breaking the scoring record at Alfred in his first year of playing."
The victory sends AU to The Sage Colleges next Wednesday for a playoff matchup with the Gators for chance at the 2019 Empire 8 Championship against either Nazareth College or Elmira College next Saturday.