ALFRED, NY-  The Alfred University men’s soccer team downed Nazareth in a 3-1, Empire 8 victory, Saturday evening at Merrill Field.

AU took the lead at the 30 minute mark when senior midfielder Tony Gai (Burke, VA/Lake Braddock) placed a free kick past the hands of the keeper.

Heading into the second half with a 1-0 lead, Alfred then continued to add to their lead with back-to-back goals from senior forward Frankie Mannino (Elmira, NY/Elmira Free Academy).  The second goal came when senior defender Rigel Johnson (Little Valley, NY/Cattaraugus-Little Valley) hit the post with a shot and Maninno was there to bury it at the 73 minute mark.  Sophomore midfielder Greg Buisman (Honeoye Falls, NY/Honeoye Falls-Lima) then served a ball to Mannino just three minutes later to round out scoring for the Saxons.

This game marked Mannino’s 34th career goal, making him the second-most goal scoring Saxon on the individual career goal scoring list at Alfred University, right behind Bobby Linaberry (35 goals).

The Golden Flyers would find the net in the 77^th minute, but it would not be enough.  For the game, Alfred held an 18 to nine shot advantage over Nazareth, and shared five corner kicks apiece.

Junior goalie Samuel Guy (Binghamton, NY/Binghamton) went the distance in net for the Saxons, making three saves.

Alfred (6-12-0, 1-6-0 Empire 8) concludes the 2012 season with this game and returns to actions in the fall.