Brockport loses close one to #2 Utica

 SUNY Brockport fell to Utica 2-1 on Saturday in Utica, N.Y. The Golden Eagles are now 4-13-2 overall and 2-12 in UCHC play.

SUNY Brockport and the Pioneers concluded the first period scoreless, with the Pioneers heavily outshooting Brockport. Brockport's goalie, Cole Hudson, successfully saved all attempts on goal, facing a total of 17 shots, while Brockport took nine shots, all saved or blocked by the Pioneers' defense. Brockport won nine out of 19 faceoffs and successfully killed a two-minute penalty for boarding by Spencer Flansburg. Notably, this was the highest number of shots faced by Hudson in a period this season.

SUNY Brockport opened the scoring in the second period with Aidan Taylor's goal at 17:05, assisted by Matt Anastasio and Connor McAleer, marking Taylor's fourth goal of the season. Despite having multiple power play opportunities, Brockport was unable to capitalize, with Jordan Rosenbaum and Aidan Taylor each missing shots during the man advantage. The Pioneers responded with an unassisted goal from Jakob Breault at 12:36, leveling the score at one each, as Brockport's goalie Cole Hudson recorded numerous saves to keep the game tied despite a continuous barrage of shots from the Pioneers. This goal was Breault's third unassisted goal of the year, showcasing his individual skill.

In the third period, SUNY Brockport was unable to score against the Pioneers, who secured a 2-1 victory. Despite Brockport's efforts, including six shots on goal, the Pioneers' defense held strong with their goalie, Ryan Piros, making key saves. Brockport did manage to win three faceoffs, but the Pioneers controlled the majority of the faceoffs with 15 wins in the period, contributing to their game-winning goal by Shane Murphy at 14:24, assisted by Brian Scoville and Anthony Cafarelli. Murphy's game-winning goal was his second of the season, highlighting his knack for scoring in crucial moments.

The first period saw a strong defensive performance by Cole Hudson in goal, making several key saves as the Pioneers attempted numerous shots. SUNY Brockport's faceoff efforts were notable, with Schuyler Flansburg and Connor McAleer winning multiple draws to gain possession. Despite a two-minute penalty against Spencer Flansburg, the team successfully killed the power play, maintaining a scoreless tie at the end of the period.

The second period began with the Pioneers winning the initial faceoff, but SUNY Brockport's Aidan Taylor scored the first goal at 17:05 with assists from Matt Anastasio and Connor McAleer. Despite multiple faceoff wins by the Pioneers, Brockport's defense, particularly goalie Cole Hudson, consistently blocked shots throughout the period. The Pioneers managed to equalize the score at 12:36 with an unassisted goal by Jakob Breault, and the period ended with both teams having scored one goal each.

The third period began with SUNY Brockport gaining initial control through a faceoff win by Schuyler Flansburg. Despite strong defensive efforts, including multiple blocked shots by Josh Grund and Nick Serafin, the Pioneers managed to score a decisive goal at 14:24, increasing their lead to 2-1. Brockport's attempts to level the score included shots by Victor Malzahn and Joseph Nikac, but they were unable to find the back of the net, resulting in a 1-0 period score favoring the home team, the Pioneers.