Spurred by a second-half scoring burst, the Corning boys soccer team recorded its first win of the season Thursday.
Trailing by one early in the second half, the Hawks netted three goals in a span of 16 minutes to post a 3-1 victory over Elmira.
After Corning’s Connor Smith scored at the 34-minute mark to tie the match at 1, Jon Michael Tokar tacked on two more goals to help the Hawks move to 1-6 on the season. Will Cornfield and Jess Kahlmeyer each provided an assist for Corning.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Corning head coach Chad Freelove said of his team’s first win. “We’ve played well enough at times to win, but our youth and inconsistency and inexperience had just not let us get over the top until today.”
Following a scoreless first half, Elmira grabbed the initial lead when Alex Tuyol scored off an assist from Alex Varkatzas.
“After Elmira scored, we came back and played with a lot of composure,” Freelove said.
Matt Ward made one save in goal for Corning, while Elmira’s Corey Swarthout turned back seven shots.
“Each game, the guys have built up a little bit of confidence,” Freelove said. “We played at Ithaca Tuesday and played them real close. We scored the first goal they’ve allowed all fall and that really gave us a boost in the right direction.”
Corning will host Vestal at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Elmira Scoring - Tuyul (1-0), Varkatzas (0-1)
Corning Scoring - Smith (1-0), Tokar (2-0), Cornfield (0-1), Kahlmeyer (0-1)
Shots/Corners - Corning (10-2), Elmira (3-1)
Saves - Elmira (Swarthout - 7), Corning (Ward - 2)