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ALFRED, N.Y. -- Host Alfred defeated Nazareth 3-1 in a men's Empire 8 conference soccer game on Saturday evening. Junior James Wheeler scored in the 78th minute to trim the Golden Flyers' deficit to two goals. Frankie Mannino scored two goals for the Saxons, including the game-winning goal in the 74th minute.

Following the loss, Nazareth drops to 7-9 overall and 1-6 in conference games. Alfred improved to 6-12 overall and 1-6 in Empire 8 games with the victory. The Golden Flyers will open the 2013 season looking to rebound after closing the season with eight losses in their final 10 games. The Saxons finished their season with three victories in their final four games. Nazareth entered the game with a five-game winning streak over the Alfred.

The Saxons' Tony Gai broke the scoreless tie with an unassisted goal in the 31st minute. Neither team found the back of the net until Mannnino's two scores in a span of 2:21 provided insurance for Alfred's lead. Mannino's second goal gave the Saxons a three-goal lead with just less than 14 minutes remaining in regulation. Mannino's first score came about 20 seconds after a Saxon's corner kick opportunity. Rigel Johnson and Greg Buisman were credited with the assists on Mannion's goals.

Wheeler gave the Golden Flyers temporary optimism as he answered with Nazareth's lone goal with 12:19 to play in regulation. Junior Ryan Foley assisted on Wheeler's goal. Wheeler's goal gave him his team-leading 10th goal of the season. Junior Luke Elston, who also entered the contest with nine goals for Nazareth, was held scoreless but recorded a shot on goal.

Alfred finished with an 18-9 advantage in total shots, including an overwhelming 11-3 advantage in the second half. Sophomore #J.P. Horan# tallied a game-high seven saves for the Golden Flyers. Samuel Guy recorded three sasves for Alfred. Both teams had five corner kick opportunities.