MEN’S SOCCER HAS LEAD SLIP AWAY, FALLING TO SAGE COLLEGE

(Aurora, N.Y.)─  The Wells College Express men's soccer team had an early 1-0 lead slip away as the Sage College Gators scored three straight goals in the second half, holding on for the 3-2 victory Wednesday evening in Aurora, N.Y. The win by Sage marks the first in team history as they improved to 1-2 in their inaugural season. With the loss the Express fall to 2-2 on the year.  

Seniors John Iapoce (Boiceville, N.Y./Onteora) and Cody Glassman (Thornhurst, Pa./North Pocono) each scored for the Express, while freshmen CJ Bayly (Waymart, Pa./Western Wayne) finished with four saves in goal. Matt Flaherty, Chris Giustina, and Wesley Finch each scored for the Gators, while Carmen Volpe earned the win goal finishing with four saves.  

Wells scored the game's first goal as defender John Iapoce came streaking in from 20 yards outside the box and blasted a deflected corner kick past the outstretched hands of Volpe for a 1-0 lead at 25:33 of the first half.  

With the Express clinging to a 1-0 lead 14 minutes into the second half, Sage forward Matt Flaherty struck a cross attempt from the right side of the 18 that looked to be headed over the goal but instead the attempt turned into an incredible shot as the ball hit the far upper left 90 of the goal and caromed behind Bayly to tie the game, 1-1.    

The Gators offense took off from there, scoring two straight goals, opening up a 3-1 lead with less than seven minutes to play. The Express would not go quietly, drawing a foul inside the 18 at 87:49, Glassman took the penalty kick and delivered, sending his shot past Volpe to cut the Gator lead to one, 3-2. The defense of Sage tightened up over the final 2:11 and did not allow a shot, preserving the one goal victory.  

The Express return to action on Saturday, September 11 against North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) opponent Penn. St. Berks at 3:30 p.m. in Aurora, N.Y.