BOXSCORE

FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Fredonia State's comeback bid fell short Tuesday in a 2-1 loss to Nazareth in men's non-conference soccer at University Stadium.

Jay Dry scored his fourth goal of the season in the 79th minute, assisted by Jakob Persons, to provide the Blue Devil scoring.

The Blue Devils (3-4) tried desperately for the equalizer yet were turned aside.

"We challenged our players," Blue Devil head coach P.J. Gondek said, "to play with a different level of intensity tonight, and they delivered. Unfortunately, we made two mistakes and it cost us."

Luke Elston opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Ramez Al-Hebshi made it 2-0 Nazareth in the 37th minute.

Al-Hebshi's goal resulted in a change in Fredonia State goalkeepers -- A.J. Grecco replaced starter Michael Schreiner. Grecco was not called on to make a save.

The Blue Devils forced up offensively and were controlling the play when time ran out. They outshot the Golden Flyers, 14-6, and had an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.

"We battled like I have never seen in three years," Gondek said. "We certainly did not expect to be 3-4 right now. But I think we are in a great place mentally in what it will take to win in the SUNYAC."

The Blue Devils will prep for the conference season with one more non-conference game -- 1 p.m. Saturday at John Carroll.