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HOBOKEN, N.J. -- Host Stevens claimed a 1-0 lead early in the first half and held on to defeat second seed Nazareth for the one-goal victory in the final of the Empire 8 men's soccer tournament . Kyle Connolly made a game-high 10 saves to help the Golden Flyers' rally attempt.

With the victory, the 15th-ranked Ducks improve to 14-1-3 and earn an automatic bid into the upcoming NCAA tournament. Nazareth closes the season with a 10-7-2 record.

Stevens struck in the 11th minute to take the early lead. Zach Adler set up the Ducks' scoring opportunity with a through-ball to Victor Daza. Daza then crossed the ball to Edward Rupp, who found the back of the Golden Flyers' net. With the game-winning goal, Rupp was named Tournament MVP.

Stevens controlled play through most of the game as the Ducks continually pressured Nazareth's defense. Stevens finished with a 21-9 advantage in shots and a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Luke Elston had a team-high two shots on goal for the Golden Flyers. Ryan Foley and James Wheeler had Nazareth's other two shots on goal. The Ducks' Zach Carr stopped all four of the Golden Flyers' shots for the shutout.

Nazareth's defense weathered the Ducks' attack to keep the Golden Flyers close. Connolly had seven of his 10 saves in the first half. Adler finished with a game-high six shots for Stevens while Nolan Sandberg had a game-high three shots on goal.

The Ducks defeated the Golden Flyers 4-0 during the regular season in a game played at Nazareth to earn the top-seed in the Empire 8 tournament.