Men’s Soccer narrowly defeated in AMCC opener against Alfred State

PITTSBURGH --- Carlow University men's soccer lost a narrow 2-0 contest to Alfred State College, opening Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference action at Cupples Stadium Saturday night.

The Celtics (1-5) held the Pioneers (4-2-3) scoreless for over 54 minutes after Alfred State scored its first goal at 34'.

Carlow saw a few good looks early from Abdul Shuaib (Pittsburgh, Pa./Avonworth HS) and a bicycle kick by Eric Fowler (Torrington, Conn./Wamogo Regional HS) almost went over the goalkeeper's head, but he just got his fingertips on it for the save.

The Pioneers took a 1-0 lead into the half, but Carlow's back line remained steadfast with nice defensive plays all around.

Blake Emge (Waynesboro, Pa./Pitt Johnstown) sent a good ball ahead to catch Hunter Brady (Wrightsville, Pa./Eastern York HS) on the run, but his shot at 53' was just wide of the net.

Alfred State's second goal of the night was the result of a penalty kick due to a hand ball inside the 18. Henry Leahy scored the shot in the lower left corner to tally his second goal of the match in the 88^th minute.

The Pioneers outshot the Celtics 14-8 but Carlow outshot Alfred State 4-3 on goal. The Pioneers held a 5-3 corner kick advantage.

Goalkeeper Dustin Harrier (North Versailles, Pa./East Allegheny HS) made one save in the complete game effort.

Up next for Carlow is a 5 p.m. AMCC match at La Roche Sept. 30.