HAMBURG, N.Y. – After building a 2-0 lead early in the match, the Hilbert College men's soccer team lost a 3-2 non-conference game to Alfred State October 8. The Hawks started the game composed but struggled to put the ball on frame as the game progressed in to the second half. Alfred State improved to 2-7 as Hilbert (3-7 overall) rested some key players which gave a few rookies more field time to develop their collegiate game.

Hilbert held advantages in offensive categories, outshooting the Pioneers (20-11) and taking more corner kicks (9-4). Twelve different Hawks released at least one shot during the game, led by Matt Hamister's three attempts.

Nick Smith was credited with six save for Alfred State while the Hawks' tandem of Jeremy Kraska (1) and Brandon Henry (2) combined for three saves.

Michael Gee scored Hilbert's lone goal (14:35) after he carried the ball through Pioneer defenders and uncorked a left-footed kick to the right side of the frame. The Hawks held a 2-0 at this point, after A-State gave Hilbert a tally in the seventh minute of action.

The Pioneers earned their first score at 23:40 when Phillip Smith headed a cross served up deep in the right corner to beat Kraska. Then in the second half, Kyle Jones earned his sixth and seventh season goals in a span of five minutes of intense defensive soccer battles. His first shot hit the right post and bounced hard into the left side of the netting and then he just beat the Henry to the low right corner at 62:30.

As the game progresses, it was important to deliver good passes, but also beat your opponent the ball and hold your ground for ball control. Both teams were physical and played to the last horn.

Hilbert jumps back on the AMCC schedule when they travel to Franciscan University this weekend. The game in Steubenville, OH will be played at 1pm October 12^th. After their recent league win over Greensburg, Hilbert looks to extend their conference win-streak.