Brockport, NY - The SUNY Brockport men's soccer team will advance to the Empire 8 Tournament Finals after defeating Elmira, 3-1. Brockport will play for the conference championship on Saturday, November 8th.
In the first half of this E8 Semifinal matchup, both teams created scoring chances early on. Brockport held the edge, outshooting Elmira 7-5.
This included the first goal of the contest from Brockport freshman,
Ryan Mathis.
Max Voyer created the play with some pressure in the box. Soon after he moved the ball over the
Brady Reinagel, who back tipped the ball to Mathis for the shot.
Mathis' goal, with the assist from Reinagel, put the Green and Gold up 1-0 early in the contest. Neither team would score again in the opening half, making it a one goal lead for Brockport at halftime.
In the second half, Brockport would add to its lead thanks to the work of some familiar faces.
Brady Reinagel would once again connect with
Ryan Mathis, who finished the shot past the Elmira keeper for his second of the day.
Mathis gets his second goal of the game, Reinagel gets his second assist of the game, and Brockport took a 2-0 lead in the 62nd minute.
The Golden Eagles continued to keep the pressure on, controlling possession of the ball for most the half. However, Elmira got on the board late in the second half to make it a 2-1 score with just over 10 minutes to play in regulation.
While the Soaring Eagles took back some momentum, the Golden Eagles looked for a response. After nearly giving up a second goal to Elmira, Brockport countered for its third score of the game.
Jadin Lyle found the back of the net after
Max Voyer crossed the ball in front. Brockport halted all of Elmira's momentum, taking control with a 3-1 lead in this semifinal match.
Both teams battled in the final minutes, but neither team would add on to the scoreboard the rest of the way. Brockport held on to its lead through the finish line for the 3-1 victory.
AJ Nelson played the full game in net for the Golden Eagles, picking up the win in the E8 Semifinals.
Brockport now moves on to the Empire 8 Championship Match at #1-seeded Geneseo on Saturday, November 8th at 3 PM.
