GENESEO, NY: The SUNY Geneseo men's soccer team secured its second straight Empire 8 regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament with a 3-1 victory over St. John Fisher University this afternoon. The Knights extended their win streak to seven games, finishing the regular season with a 9-2 conference record and a 12-4-1 overall mark.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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Jace DiPalo opened the scoring for the Knights just eight minutes into the first half, pouncing on a rebound off a save and drilling it past the keeper to give Geneseo an early lead.
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The Knights doubled their advantage late in the half after Evan Zavalo drew a foul in the box to earn a penalty kick. Kyle Arraiano stepped up and converted from the spot, sending Geneseo into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
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Geneseo struck again in the 54th minute when Dwight Valladares headed a corner kick toward goal, where Alex Grejda redirected it into the net at the far post to extend the Knights' lead to three.
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The Cardinals found the back of the net in the closing minutes to cut into the deficit, but the Knights held firm to secure the 3-1 victory and clinch the regular-season crown.
QUICK FACTS:
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Alex Grejda scored his first collegiate goal with his second-half finish.
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Max Crothall earned his 12th win of the season, making five saves in net.
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The Knights captured their second consecutive Empire 8 regular-season championship.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The No. 1-seeded Knights will host No. 8 Houghton in an Empire 8 quarterfinal matchup on Saturday, October 31. More information to come.
