ALFRED, N.Y. - Alfred State scored with just four minutes remaining in regulation to hand the Bearcat men's soccer team a tough 2-1 loss in its 2021 season-opener.

After Bearcat rookie Caedon Seeger tied the game at 1-1 in the 81st minute, the Pioneers' Jackson Powers answered with the eventual game-winner just three minutes later.

Alfred State jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead on a goal by Mike Bupp, assisted by Powers, 4:45 into the opening frame. The play would then even out, as the Pioneers would end the half with a slim 8-6 advantage in shots, while each team was granted four corner kicks. Saint Vincent keeper Zachary Gibbons turned in three first half saves to keep the deficit at just one goal.

The Bearcats held much of the possession advantage over the second half, taking three corner kicks, and the pressure would finally pay off with 8:05 left in regulation when Seeger buried his team's first goal of the season, assisted by Andres Mateos Carrion. 

The tie was short-lived, however, as Powers countered with the game-winner for the Pioneers with 5:36 left to play. The Bearcats would then mount considerable pressure in their offensive third of the field, but the Pioneers effectively thwarted the late threat to hold on for the one-goal win.

Alfred State ended the match with a 14-9 advantage in shots, while the Bearcats held a slim 7-6 margin in corner kicks. Eight different players attempted at least one shot for SVC, with Griffin Prinkey and Cris White credited with two apiece. Gibbons went the distance in net for SVC and finished with five saves.

SVC will now look to regroup and will return to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 8, hosting Pitt-Greensburg at 4 p.m. on the UPMC Field turf.