Brockport men’s soccer continued its strong Empire 8 campaign with a 2–0 victory over the Alfred Saxons on Wednesday evening at A. Huntley Parker Field. Brockport improved to 7-4-2 overall and 6-1-1 in conference play with the win thanks to goals from freshman Ryan Mathis and senior Brady Reinagel.
“I think the guys in the last three and a half weeks have been playing really well,” Brockport men’s soccer Associate Head Coach Dan Lynd said. “It was another great performance tonight against a team that has done fairly well. So, I think it was a mature performance from our guys.”
The Golden Eagles entered the match with three key players out, including junior Peter Tinaj, who served a one-match suspension due to five yellow cards this season.
Brockport opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after Mathis capitalized on a defensive lapse to net the first goal of the match. Mathis now has five goals this season, leading the Golden Eagles.
“The ball was set up at the top of the box, and I saw the goalie out of place so as soon as I kicked it, I started running towards the corner with my boys,” Mathis said. “It’s really a team game. So, If I score, we all score.”
Brockport maintained pressure throughout the first half, outshooting Alfred 6-4 in the opening 45 minutes.
Brockport doubled the lead early in the second half; this time it was Reinagel. The senior scored off an assist from freshman Jaidyn Caccomo in the 56th minute. Reinagel has scored four goals this season, equaling the total number of goals he scored last season.
Freshman Brockport goalkeeper AJ Nelson made five saves in the game and preserved the clean sheet for the freshman’s fifth shutout of the year and second in a row. Nelson continued to be a brick wall in goalafter earning Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week honors this past week.
“We built from the back, so it is really important that we were organized, and we do a great job,” Nelson said. “I just try to be vocal as a goalie. If the guys are organized, you won’t face a ton of shots.”
The Golden Eagles are currently second in the conference standings, one game behind SUNY Geneseo who is undefeated in Empire 8 play. Brockport will be on the road on Saturday, Oct. 18, to face Elmira College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
