AMHERST, NY - Freshman Caleb Holmes (Cuba, NY/Cuba-Rushford HS) already has a signature moment in front of the home fans.  The diminutive midfielder, just five games into his collegiate career, found the back of the net in the 88th minute to snap a 1-1 tie and deliver a 2-1 win for the Daemen Wildcats over the SUNY-ESF Mighty Oaks in the Wildcats' home opener today.  The win is the second straight for Daemen (2-3-0) while the Mighty Oaks, ranked #6 in the latest USCAA National Poll, suffer their first setback of the season (3-1-0).

Holmes let his shot go from the middle of the box, beating Mighty Oaks goalkeeper Adam Belkadi inside the right post after a beautiful setup.  Junior striker Kyle Clifford (West Seneca, NY/St. Francis HS) sent a crossing feed from the far left wing to the top of the box where it was headed by freshman midfielder Jordan Dean (Greece, NY/Greece Olympia HS) onto the awaiting foot of Holmes who buried the game-winner.

Holmes' heroics came after Daemen surrendered their 1-0 lead on a goal by SUNY-ESF's Patrick Alcott in the 71st minute.  Alcott chased down a headed pass from Dillon Buchberg and flicked it past Daemen goalkeeper Daniel Romer (Amsterdam, Netherlands/St. Nicholas Lyceum HS) who came charging out of his goal.

Junior midfielder Trevor Hill (Courtice, ON/Holy Trinity Catholic SS) had given Daemen a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute after a scoreless first half.  Holmes broke free up the left sideline and dropped a pass to Clifford near the top of the box who found Hill streaking in from the right wing.  Hill's low grounder shot then beat Belkadi to the far post.

Romer picked up the win between the pipes for Daemen after relieving starter Matt Daddario (Amherst, NY/Sweet Home HS) in the 34th minute.  Daddario was credited with one save while Romer saved a pair of Mighty Oaks attempts in his first action of the season.

Belkadi made five saves, several of outstanding quality, in a losing effort for the Mighty Oaks.

Daemen looks to make it three in a row when they travel to face the Point Park Pioneers in suburban Pittsburgh, PA tomorrow.