BUFFALO, NY—Host Buffalo State and Daemen each earned season opening victories in the first round of the Men’s Soccer All-America Classic today at Coyer Field. Daemen topped Hilbert 1-0 in the opener, and Buffalo State defeated Geneva, 2-1.

In the first game, Steve Doermer (Grand Island/Grand Island) provided all the offense Daemen needed when his header found the back of the net 1:14 into the first overtime off an assist from Adam Groff (Lockport/Lockport). Daemen outshot Hilbert by a count of 27-7 and held a 12-1 advantage in corner kicks. Hawks’ goalkeeper Eric Davies (Tonawanda/Tonawanda) was outstanding, making eight saves. Jeff Spencer (Depew/Depew) needed to make just two stops to preserve the shutout for Daemen.

Joatan Humphies (Lawrence/Lawrence) scored the game-winner in the nightcap for Buffalo State on a header off a cross from Tony Schiappa (Williamsville/Williamsville East) in the 78th minute. Jake McCracken (Beaver Falls, PA) opened the scoring for Geneva in the sixth minute, before Stephen Galante (Tonawanda/Canisius) evened the score for the Bengals in the 44th minute. Geneva outshot the Bengals, 11-7.

Hilbert will play Geneva tomorrow at noon, and Daemen will face Buffalo State at 3 p.m.

Standings After Opening Round:

1. Buffalo State (4.5 points); 2. Daemen (4 points); 3 Hilbert (1 point); 4. Geneva (.5 point)

Criteria for Determining Tournament Champion

Teams will be awarded three points for a victory and one point will be awarded to the winner of each half. A half-point will be given to each team following a tied half. If a game is tied after overtime, a penalty kick shootout will be held to determine the winner.

In the event of a tie for first place, the tie-breaking criteria will be as follows: 1. head-to-head; 2. least goals against; 3. goal differential.