HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Russell Sage College Men's Soccer earned a 2-2 draw on Saturday afternoon in Houghton. The draw, combined with a Hartwick victory over Alfred, was enough for RSC to claim a spot in the eight team Empire 8 Conference Tournament, beginning next week.

The Gators (7-6-3/4-3-3 E8) outshot the Highlanders 15 to 11 in the draw, their two goals both coming from Forward El Hadji Iba Sy (Bronx, NY/Emma Lazarus), a grad student, one in each half. Both of the scores from Iba Sy were assisted by sophomore forward Dimitri Gogas (Merrick, NY/W.C. Mepham).

Freshman goalkeeper Maximilian Bertmann (South Burlington, VT/South Burlington) (7-5-3) stopped three Houghton shots on the afternoon.

Houghton University (3-11-2/1-7-2 E8) got their scoring from John Fay in the first half and Andrew Berardicurti in the second to secure the even score in the contest. 

The Gators are back on the pitch on Wednesday with a trip to Hartwick to wrap up the regular season.

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.