KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — The Keuka College Men's Soccer team dropped their first Empire 8 Conference game of the year, losing to Houghton University 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex.
Carson Smith made 11 saves in goal for Keuka College (1-4, 0-1 Empire 8).
Houghton University 1 at Keuka College 0
Houghton University started on the front foot against Keuka College and controlled possession in the opening half. Smith was called upon for eight saves in the first 45 minutes. Keuka's best chance came on a corner kick in the 44th minute.
Connor Thorpe put the ball off the post and
Evan Pellerito's follow-up was blocked as the game went to halftime scoreless.
Possession remained with the Highlanders in the second half. Houghton had an early free kick go off the post. Keuka was able to generate some offense using the long throws of
Liam Fitzpatrick. The Green and Gold were able to pressure, but unable to find the back of the net. The game would remain scoreless until the 75th minute as the Highlanders pulled ahead. The Wolves tried to increase the offensive pressure. Their best chance came in the final minutes as another long throw by Fitzpatrick found the head of Pellerito at the edge of the six-yard box. The sophomore's header was on goal but saved by the Houghton keeper. The Highlanders saw the game out for a 1-0 victory.
KC Notes:
- The Wolves have dropped four straight to the Highlanders and are 1-4-1 overall in the series
- Houghton had a 24-7 advantage in shots and a 9-1 edge in corner kicks
- Carson Smith saw a season-high in shots in goal and made a season-high in saves
Up Next for Keuka College: After dipping their toe into conference play, the Wolves will next face Penn College in a non-conference match on Tuesday. Kickoff between the former North Eastern Athletic Conference foes is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex.
