Fredonia State Men's Soccer closed out the Blue Devil Classic with a win over Houghton University, with a final score of 2-1. It was the Blue Devils first win on the year, improving their record to 1-2-1.
Only 11:52 into the game, Fredonia State received a penalty kick after a foul was committed by Houghton in the box. Kaleb Steward stepped up to the PK line, where he faked right and put the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. It gave the Blue Devils and early one goal lead.
The Devils were not finished as they netted another goal at the 17th minute mark of the first half. Steward was able to find a passing lane through the closing defenders, where Camron Walsh was using his speed to cut through. Walsh controlled the pass and was able to get a shot off right before the defenders closed in, and gave Fredonia State the 2-0 lead.
Houghton answered back with a goal of their own after Jonah Ewing crossed a pass into the box from the right side of the field, where Alex Kalivoda was able to put it home. This goal closed in on the Devils lead, with a score of 2-1.
In the 16th minute of the first half goaltender, William Richardson made an incredible diving save from a shot within the box.
Fredonia State went into halftime with the lead, but was outshot 7-5. Even with the shots being in the Houghton's favor, the shots on goal were 5-4 for the Devils.
The second half was extremely tight and both teams saw opportunities to score. However, excellent defense and goaltending from both sides kept the score deadlocked at 2-1.
With 13 minutes remaining the the game, the Highlanders had an excellent scoring opportunity within the box. Fredonia State defender, Huddy Kwiatkowski came from the far side of the box with a diving effort that was able to block the shot near the goal line.
Fredonia State was able to hold onto their lead for the remainder of the game, and close out the Blue Devil Classic.
Richardson tallied four saves over 90 minutes of play.
The Blue Devils look to continue their positive play heading into their next matchup, against Medaille at home on Wednesday night.
