Box l Updated stats
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Sophomore Rikesh Kotak scored Nazareth's only goal as visiting RIT defeated the Golden Flyers 2-1 in a hard-fought Empire 8 conference men's soccer game. Nazareth needed at least a tie to have a chance to play in the upcoming conference tournament because St. John Fisher holds the tie-breaker over the Golden Flyers thanks to a 5-3 Cardinals' victory during the season.

The Golden Flyers finish the season with a 7-8-2 overall record and a 3-3-1 record in the Empire 8. The Tigers improve to 7-9-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the conference after the victory.

After a scoreless first half, RIT's Bret Dietz gave the Tigers' a 1-0 lead three minutes into the second half. Kotak tied the game at the 55:52 mark as he converted on the Golden Flyers' penalty kick opportunity by shooting the ball into the right side of the goal. Nazareth received the penalty shot opportunity after freshman Andrew Alaimo was pulled down in the penalty area by a RIT defender.

Dietz reclaimed the lead for the Tigers in the 71st minute following a defensive miscue by the Golden Flyers. Although Nazareth increased its offensive pressure, the Golden Flyers could not find the game-tying goal.

Freshman Chris Eccles had one opportunity as he ripped a shot from outside the box just over the crossbar. Junior Greg Blanchard finished with three shots on goal, but RIT's Alan Smith stopped each one. The Golden Flyers' final opportunity came with under 30 seconds to play as junior Christopher Lofgren sent a corner kick into the Tigers' penalty area. After a scramble for the ball, an RIT defender cleared the zone and ended the Nazareth threat.

Smith finished with eight saves for the Tigers while Nazareth goalkeeper Ryan Platt was credited with two saves.

The Golden Flyers held a 16-5 advantage in shots and a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. The Tigers were whistled for 20 fouls compared to 12 for Nazareth. The Golden Flyers received three yellow cards while RIT was given two yellow cards in the hard-fought game.