Albany, NY—Russell Sage College's men's soccer team hosted the Highlanders of Houghton College on Sunday afternoon in the final regular-season Empire 8 contest with a shot at the No. 1 seed on the line. The two teams played to a scoreless tie through 90 minutes before Houghton's senior midfielder Julius Klohr (Charlotte, NC/Covenant Day) scored the game-winning goal at the 95:13 mark to propel his team to the win, 1-0.
Houghton improves to 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the Empire 8, while the loss puts RSC at 3-2 overall and in the Empire 8. The Gators have secured the No. 3 seed and will host Alfred University on April 14 in the first round of the playoffs. Game time is to be determined.
Klohr scored on a pass from rookie Andy Loomis (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South) on a scramble in front of the box for the lone score of the match.
Both teams had their chances near the end of regulation as RSC's defender Nathan Ficht (Poughkeepsie, NY/Spackenkill) had a shot on goal to the left of the Highlander keeper, senior Caleb Loew (Center Valley, PA/Faith Christian), but Jonah Ewing came up with the block to save a sure goal with six minutes left in the match. Houghton responded with their own attempt in regulation as Elijah Steffen had a blistering shot to the right of the Gators' wall only to be saved by rookie keeper Anthony Molina (Brentwood, NY/Brentwood) with less than two minutes in regulation.
For the game, Molina made seven saves with one goal allowed as he drops to 3-2 on the year. Loew earned the shutout win, the team's fifth of the year and made seven saves to improve to 4-1 this season.
Prior to the game, the Gators honored two seniors Griffin Goodemote (Broadalbin, NY/Broadalbin-Perth) and Jonathan Ortego (White Plains, NY/White Plains). Over the course of their career they have helped team program garner three Empire 8 post-season bids including a spot in this week's league tournament.
No. 1 seed St. John Fisher College
No. 2 seed Houghton College
No. 3 seed Russell Sage College
No. 4 seed Nazareth College
No. 5 seed Utica College
No. 6 seed Alfred University
April 14 First Round Games
#6 Alfred at No. 3 Sage, TBA
5 Utica at No. 4 Nazareth, TBA
April 16 Semifinals
4/5 winner at No. 1 St. John Fisher, TBA
3/6 winner at No. 2 Houghton, TBA
April 18 Championship
Played at the home field of the highest remaining seeded team
