ONEONTA, N.Y.-- Senior Jeremy Pantoni (Goshen/Goshen) racked up a pair of goals in the second half to lead the SUNY Oneonta men's soccer team to a 3-1 victory over Alfred University, Saturday afternoon.   

"It was a good start to the season," said Head Coach Iain Byrne. "There were a few jitters, but we moved the ball quite well and we managed to get minutes for most of the squad."

After generating early shot attempts, the Red Dragons got on the board in the 16th minute. Senior Ian Zingaro (Liverpool/Liverpool) gained possession after a failed clear attempt and led a pass to senior Ethan Brunell (Clifton Park/Shenendehowa) into the right side of the box. Brunell gathered the ball and scored between the goalie and the post.  

Freshman Joesph Holder (Greenwood Lake/Warwick) had an opportunity in the 27th minute to make it a two-goal game. Holder received a pass surrounded by three Saxons, beat them with his initial touch of the ball, got past a fourth defender and the goalie but missed just to the right of the net. Oneonta entered halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

The Red Dragons gained a 2-0 lead early in the second half. Freshman Sam Rogers (Broadalbin/Broadalbin-Perth) got the ball to freshman Dillon Kelly (Wappingers Falls/Beacon) in the left side of the box. Before the ball got away from him, Kelly sent a great center for Pantoni to score with a header.  

Alfred did not go away quietly. In the 61st minute, Joaquin Ghioldi-Acosta got the ball after a throw in and centered it to Justin Eaton for a header, making it a one-goal game.  

After Eaton's goal, the Red Dragons kept the pressure on and in the 70th minute scored the last goal of the game. Sophomore Nate Masucci (Greece) brought the ball up and passed it to sophomore Owen Siegel (Liberty/Liberty) 25 yards out. Siegel moved the ball to Pantoni for a clear shot on net, but Pantoni was fouled and eventually made the penalty kick.  

Senior Nate Hanna (Baldwinsville/C.W. Baker) ended the match with two saves in a little over 76 minutes of play. Sophomore Jax Flugel (Rochester) played the final 13:25 however did not face a shot. Daniel Koenig ended with six saves for the Saxons.

Oneonta (1-0) outshot Alfred (1-1-0) 22-5 and had an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.  

The Red Dragons are back in action on Tuesday when they host Union at 5 pm. Read Full Article