BROCKPORT, N.Y. – Russell Sage College Men's Soccer began Empire 8 conference play on Saturday with a matchup in Brockport against the Golden Eagles, coming out on top with a 2-0 victory.

The Gators (3-2/1-0 E8) were paced by a shutout performance from freshman goalkeeper Maximilian Bertmann (South Burlington, VT/South Burlington) (2-1), who saved all six of the Golden Eagles' shots on goal.

Sophomore forward Dimitri Gogas (Merrick, NY/W.C. Mepham) got the scoring started for RSC, finding the back of the net off an assist from junior midfielder Connor Swart (Walden, NY/Valley Central) for his second goal of the year.

Senior forward El Hadji Iba Sy (Bronx, NY/Emma Lazarus) added some second half insurance for head coach Amir Pasic and company, ripping his third goal of the week off an assist from junior forward Joel Tshiamala (Banyoles, Girona, Spain/Sports EDU/Marietta) to seal the deal for the Gators. 

"Going to a place like Brockport is not an easy assignment to begin conference play," said Pasic of the victory. "The boys showed incredible character to come away with a result like the one today. It was all hands on deck. I'm really proud of how we handled ourselves in what was Brockport's home opener."

SUNY Brockport (1-3-1/0-1 E8) outshot the Gators 18-6 and controlled the corner kick battle 7-4 in the loss.

The Gators are back home on Wednesday as they host Hartford at 4:00 PM.