Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Junior midfielder Tommy Garafola (Richmond Hill, N.Y.) scored twice as the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team (3-2-0) defeated cross-river rival Vassar College (2-2-0), 2-0, in non-conference action Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.

After both teams created a number of chances in the first half, Garafola benefited from crisp passing, finding the back of the net from around six yards out in the 40th minute. Junior forward Evan Martel (West Sayville, N.Y.) laced a ball in from the left side, and senior forward Michael Ackerman (Castleton, N.Y.) found Garafola's feet to put the Hawks up, 1-0.

The Brewers held an 11-7 advantage in shots at the half, while both sides took one corner.

Just 40 seconds into the second period, Garafola struck again, heading in a ball from junior forward Jimmy Altadonna (Massapequa Park, N.Y.). Sophomore forward Harrison Lane (Glenmont, N.Y.) also was credited with an assist on the play.

Vassar's Adam McCabe had two chances to score midway through the second half, unleashing a shot that went high in the 51st minute and firing off an attempt that was stopped by junior goalkeeper Thomas Viscardi (Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) in the 60th minute.

Junior forward Jamal Lis-Simmons (Highland, N.Y.) nearly scored twice in the final 30 minutes of play, putting two shots on target.

On the afternoon, Viscardi turned away a game-high eight shots and notched his second career shutout. Ryan Grimme made four stops in between the pipes for the Brewers in 74 minutes of action before Gary Clauss closed out the contest. Vassar held the upper hand in shots, 19-14.

With the win, New Paltz has emerged victorious in six of the past seven meetings between the two squads. Vassar last defeated the Hawks in 2007.

New Paltz continues its six-game home stand on Wednesday against Williams College, head coach Eric Watson's alma mater. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at Alumni Field.