An early goal gave the Tompkins Cortland Community College men's soccer team a lead, but it wasn't enough as Erie Community College rallied for a 5-2 defeat of the Panthers. Tompkins Cortland drops to 4-3 overall and 4-2 in Region III. Erie improves to 6-1 overall and 5-0 in region.

The game started well for the home team. In just the fourth minute of play, the Panthers earned a free kick from just inside midfield. Colton Wigsten (Spencer-Van Etten H.S./Spencer) drove the ball toward the goal and when the Erie goalkeeper couldn't make a play, the Panthers had a 1-0 advantage. The lead lasted nearly 20 minutes before Erie tied the game on a penalty kick. The Kats moved ahead with a score eight minutes later and then stretched the margin to 3-1 on a score in the last minute of the half.

The Panthers cut into the lead in the 63rd minute when Shaqueil Johnson (DeWitt Clinton H.S./Clarendon, Jamaica) took a pass from Adam Nichols (Candor H.S./Candor) and beat the defense before putting the ball in the net. The 3-2 margin was the closest the Panthers could get as Erie put in two goals over the next 10 minutes, securing the 5-2 win.

Sean McDaniel (Dryden H.S./Dryden) made five saves in goal for the Panthers.

The Panthers look to get back on track when they return to Mid-State Athletic Conference action Saturday at Onondaga Community College.