ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Russell Sage College Men's Soccer traveled to Rochester on Saturday afternoon for a matchup with the Cardinals of St. John Fisher, pulling out the 2-1 victory on the road.
The Empire 8 conference rivals entered the half square at one, the Gators (6-5-0/3-2-0 E8) getting their score from junior midfielder Alejandro Aleo (Alicante, Spain/Ira Macia Abela/Saint Rose), his third goal of the year, 27 minutes into the contest.
The 1-1 draw stood until the 65th minute, where forward El Hadji Iba Sy (Bronx, NY/Emma Lazarus), a grad student, took a pass from Aleo into the back of the net to secure the Saturday afternoon victory for Russell Sage.
Freshman goalkeeper Maximilian Bertmann (South Burlington, VT/South Burlington) (6-4-0) saved four shots in the victory.
"The boys came in expecting this result today," shared Head Coach Amir Pasic following the victory. "We kept our lines tight, executed the game plan, and defended the box with bravery when we needed to. We will enjoy this moment for a short while, prioritize our recovery, and get ready for our next game at home against Utica."
St. John Fisher (3-4-4/2-1-2 E8) got their lone score from Jack Tamburino in the first half.
The Gators are back on the pitch on Wednesday night as they host Utica.
Gator Bites: Head coach Amir Pasic is in his third season at the helm of the Gators…21 newcomers combine with 16 returnees to comprise this fall's roster…Iba Sy and senior midfielder/forward Joe Piperata (Rensselaer, NY/Catholic Central) highlight the returning Gators…Junior Alejandro Aleo (Alicante, Spain/Ira Macia Abela/Saint Rose), freshman defender Logan Diebold (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South), and senior forward Darien Espinal (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa/Saint Rose) headline the crop of new faces…Senior defenders Taiwo Afolabi (Arlington, TX/Mansfield Summit/Medaille), and Mason Kievit (LaGrange, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes), and Aleo, serve as the team captains…Freshman goalkeeper Maximilian Bertmann (South Burlington, VT/South Burlington) was selected the Empire 8 Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday, September 15…The rookie totaled nine saves in a 2-0 week, including six in the road E8 shutout at SUNY Brockport on September 14.
