Elmira District Boys Soccer

Andrew Legare, Elmira Star Gazette

Elmira High came out of the gates flying, scoring three first-half goals Saturday on its way to a 3-2 victory over defending Class A State Champion Vestal in the opening game of the season for both Southern Tier Athletic Conference Boys soccer teams.

Joe Bruner, a junior making his varsity debut, scored Elmira's first goal off a header on a cross from Noah Sperduto.  Sperduto, a fouth-team all-state pick last season, added two more goals for the Express in the final six minutes of the half to give his team a three-goal edge at Vestal's Dick Hoover Stadium.

"We came out with a game plan and really kept our defensive shape pretty well and limited their opportunities,"  Elmira coach Derek Hamilton said.  "With a kid like Noah up front, he's going to take advantage of opportunities and he got two early for us."

Dan Mansfield scored twice in the second half for Vestal, with the second goal coming with about 15 minutes to play.  The Golden Bears, who had a 13-6 edge in shots on goal, pressured Elmira late, but couldn't get the tying goal.  Express goalie Nate Burrows finished with 10 saves.

"We showed alot of heart today," Hamilton said.  "We kind of deflected the last few opportunities."

Vestal posted a 20-0 record last season on its way to the State Championship.  The Golden Bears shut out 14 of their 20 opponents.  Elmira went 10-5-1 last season and was the Section 4, Class AA runner-up.

"Anytime you knock off a team like that that you know isn't going to lose many games, it really picks you up and makes you confident going forward," Hamilton said.

Milestone Watch

The victory was the 99th of his career for Hamilton between his time coaching Elmira Free Academy and the Express.  His team will try to give him No. 100 when it hosts Owego at 4:00 pm Tuesday at Ernie Davis Academy's Marty Harrigan Athletic Field.