Alfred, N.Y.- One goal was the difference as the Clarkson University Men's Soccer team earned a 1-0 win, Saturday afternoon. 

With the win, Clarkson improves to 3-0-2, unbeaten in the first five games of the season.

As has been a common theme for games so far, both teams battled to gain a hold on the contest through much of the early stages. The first chance came the way of Alfred State in the 14th minute when forward Eric Spring managed to take the ball off the foot of a Clarkson defender near half field and pick up the loose ball just outside the 18 yard box with a defender on his shoulder. Golden Knight goalkeeper Carter Kladstrup was up to the task, corralling the low shot to his right side, preventing an early goal. Kladstrup was called into action again as a half-volley from about 25 yards out bounced through the crowd in front of the goal without taking a deflection, into the net-minder's arms. The hosts controlled much of the later-part of the opening half creating another dangerous scoring chance with an early cross from the right side finding a Pioneer attacker at the back post whose header was met again by Kladstrup as the junior denied another scoring opportunity, keeping the game level. Clarkson was unable to generate a shot in the opening 45, managing two corners from attacking play. 

The second half started with similar play in the middle part of the field with both teams starting to look to create chances and find the breakthrough. Kladstrup was called into action again, this time on a freekick just outside the 18 yard box. The shot managed to find its way around the wall but was met by Kladstrup, who made a diving stop to his right and pushed the ball clear of danger. The breakthrough would come the way of Clarkson off a corner. The ball in from the corner from Daniel Medina was met with a fist by the goalkeeper, who was unable to get the ball clear of the danger zone, putting it right above the penalty spot. Freshman midfielder Brody Frankowski was roaming in the perfect spot as his right-footed shot flew by two Alfred State defenders into the back of the right side of the net in the 56th minute. 

Alfred State managed to create a few more good chances throughout the second half with their best scoring chance coming in the 74th minute. A Pioneer attacker managed to hold a long ball up on the left wing and went at two Clarkson defenders, wiggling his way to just outside the six yard line on the left side. A shot was deflected through the legs of one of the Knight defenders and under the arms of Kladstrup. As the ball rolled near the goalline it was finally cleared away under pressure by Josh Conklin, keeping the lead intact. 

As the Pioneers continued to push for the equalizer, the Golden Knights defense, which has allowed just three goals on the year, kept the potent offense of the hosts in check, seeing out the victory.

Kladstrup finished with six saves on the day and Alexander Preston was credited with one in goal for Alfred State. 
Clarkson held the advantage in corners (5-4) while Alfred State led in shots (8-3) and shots on goal (7-2). 

The team returns to action Wednesday, September 18th as they make the short trip to Canton to take on SUNY Canton at 4 p.m.