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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth defeated visiting Utica 2-0 in a men's Empire 8 soccer match on Sunday afternoon. Graduate student Ryan Foley scored both of the Golden Flyers' goals in the opening 23 minutes. Freshman Diego Abreu recorded a game-high 12 saves, including nine in the second half, to earn the victory.

With the win, Nazareth improves to 4-10 overall and 2-3 in conference games. With the loss, the Pioneers fall to 4-7-3 overall and 2-3 in Empire 8 games. The victory also allows the Golden Flyers to climb into a tie for fourth place in the Empire 8 standings with St. John Fisher and Utica, who stand at 2-3 in Empire 8 contests, too. The top four teams qualify for the Empire 8 Tournament in November.

Foley scored his first goal after Nazareth was awarded a penalty kick 11:04 into regulation when a Golden Flyer was pulled down in the right side of the Utica penalty area. Foley converted the penalty kick opportunity with a hard shot into the left side of the Pioneers' goal. Just under 12 minutes later, Foley scored again to stretch Nazareth's lead to two goals. Foley started the scoring chance by blocking a Pioneers' clearing attempt roughly 15 yards outside their box. After collecting the loose ball, Foley dribbled into the Utica box and buried a shot inside the left post.

With his two goals Sunday, Foley has a team-high seven goals on the season. He also moves up to second all-time in career scoring with 77 total points on 28 goals and 21 assists. Graeme Tosh, who played for the Golden Flyers from 1982-85, is first with 105 total points. Foley's 28 goals also places him second in career goals with Kevin Burke (1989-92). Tosh is Nazareth's all-time leader in goals scored with 43.

Abreu maintained the Golden Flyers' lead in the second half with several diving saves. In the final 12:06 of regulation, Abreu tallied seven saves to thwart Utica's attempted rally. The Pioneers' Shane Ruffing entered Sunday with nine goals and two assists. Nazareth's defense held him to three shots on goal.

David Abdou made five saves in the loss. In addition to the three shots on goal by Foley, sophomore Alessio DeMichele had two shots on goal and senior James Wheeler and sophomore Lucas Bennett each had one shot on goal.

Utica finished with a 16-13 advantage in total shots with their offensive pressure in the final 15 minutes. Nazareth had a 7-3 advantage in corner kick opportunities.

The Golden Flyers travel to Elmira for a critical conference game on Saturday at 1 p.m. Nazareth returns to host Buffalo State in a non-conference game on October 28th.