ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Oct. 21, 2006) -- Sophomore Justino Flores (pictured) scored the game-winning goal early in the second half Saturday as Nazareth defeated visiting Utica in men's soccer, 2-1, at Golden Flyer Stadium.

The victory clinched for Nazareth a berth in next month's four-team Empire 8 Conference Tournament. The Golden Flyers improved to 3-2 in conference games and 11-4 overall. Utica is 2-4 in the Empire 8 and 5-8-1 overall. The Golden Flyers have one regular-season conference game left -- Wednesday at home against RIT at 3 p.m. A victory there would clinch third place in the league.

In Saturday's must-win game, the Golden Flyers scored early when freshman Christopher Lofgren scored off an assist from Philip Holmberg. Utica, however, tied the score midway through the half as Adnan Alibegic headed in a corner kick off the foot of Evan Dufault.

Flores' game-winning goal came less than four minutes into the second half. Ed Babcock redirected a throw in by Scott Rigney onto the foot of Flores, who scored his third goal of the season.

Nazareth outshot Utica 19-7, including 9-0 in the second half, but Pioneers' goalie Andrew Miller made 14 saves to keep the game close. Alex Kilroy made six saves for the Golden Flyers.