Courtesy of NazAthletics.com
UTICA, N.Y. — Visiting Nazareth scored twice in the first half Saturday to build a commanding advantage and then tacked on a second-half goal as the Golden Flyers defeated Utica, 3-0, in a key Empire 8 Conference soccer match at Gaetano Stadium.
The victory enabled Nazareth to equal its 2016 win total as the Golden Flyers improved to 6-3-1 overall and 2-1 in Empire 8 Conference matches. Utica dropped to 5-7 overall and 0-3 in conference play. It was Nazareth’s fifth shutout of the season.
Junior Zach Titus and freshman Josh Crespo scored within a five-minute stretch midway through the first half to supply the Golden Flyers with an advantage. Titus scored his third goal of the season on a blast from about 30 yards out that beat Utica keeper Jonathan Side in the 23rd minute.
Crespo’s third goal of the season came five minutes later after he dribbled through a maze of player to deliver an unassisted tally.
The score remained unchanged until the 81st minute when freshman Matt Gasbarre finished off a cross from Francisco Viavattene for his fourth goal of the year.
Nazareth had 13 shots and five corner kicks, while Utica managed 12 and seven respectively. Sophomore Brian Wilkinmade five saves to qualify for his fourth shutout. Nazareth has now won 24 of 27 meetings with Utica in men’s soccer.
The Golden Flyers return to action Tuesday for a non-conference game at Geneseo at 7 p.m. Nazareth resumes its Empire 8 Conference schedule Saturday at home against Alfred at 3 p.m.
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