BUFFALO, NY- The SUNY New Paltz men's soccer team fell to host Buffalo State Friday evening 2-1 on Coyer Field.
The Hawks had two early chances in the game to take the advantage, but two great saves kept the Bengals in the game. The first came when Brenden Kassel came down the right side of the field and crossed found Jimmy Altadonna for the header, but Bengals keeper Brian Dudek made a diving save to keep the game scoreless. The second chance came when Tommy Garafola bent a left footed shot to the left post, but Dudek was there again with a diving save to his right to keep it scoreless.
Bengals took a late first half when Mike Hart found Brandon Loncar for the one-timer in the 43rd minute. At the half, the shots were equal at four a piece, but the Hawks led a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Buffalo State's attack struck again in the 52 minute when Stephen Galante cross found the diving Steve Orfanos for the header and the 2-0 advantage.
The Hawks found the back of the net in the 68th minute when David Gardner's cross found the diving Harrison Lane for the header. It was Lane's first collegiate goal and Gardner's first assist on the season.
Late in the game, the Hawks had a chance for the equalizer when Garafola collided with keeper Dudek and the ball spun away from the goal-line as the defender cleared it away from Gardner.
Brian Dudek recorded the win in net, saving three shots as the Bengals improve to 5-3-1 overall and 1-0-1 in SUNYAC play.
Peter Carmel recorded the loss in net making two stops. New Paltz falls to 4-3-1 overall and 0-2-0 in the SUNYAC. New Paltz returns to the field Friday against Brockport in the SUNYAC home opener for the Hawks. Game time is set for 4 p.m. on Alumni Field.
