Matt Belardi (right) scored the winning goal Saturday (Ron Szot photo).
A goal by Fredonia Blue Devil junior midfielder Matt Belardi (Niagara Falls, N.Y./Niagara-Wheatfield) was the game-winner Saturday at the Buffalo State Fred Hartrick Classic.
Heading home a free kick by sophomore defender Jackson Retzer (East Amherst/Williamsville North), Belardi broke a scoreless tie in the 73rd minute and junior goalkeeper Ty Bentham (Columbus, Ind./Columbus North) made it stand for a 1-0 victory over Elmira.
"We really struggled physically with fatigue and the heat today," Fredonia Head Coach P.J. Gondek said. "After playing to double overtime yesterday, we lacked focus at times in the first half and it allowed Elmira to gain confidence.
"In the second half, we appeared to get our second wind and really took the game to them. After scoring the goal we defended well but again made some mental errors that almost cost us.
Kevin Loftus (Lancaster, N.Y./Lancaster) appeared in 10 games as a freshman, two of them starts, but has earned a starting spot in Gondek's back line this season as well as a place on the Hatrrick all-tournament team. Retzer also was all-tournament while Bentham received consideration following his second shutout in as many days. He made two saves.
"A win is a win," Gondek said, "and to not give up a goal all weekend is pretty impressive."
The Blue Devils take a 1-0-1 record into their home opener Tuesday night vs. D'Youville. Game time is 7 p.m. at University Stadium.
