Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Saturday afternoon was a day of firsts for the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team: freshman back James Hennessy (Tappan, NY/Tappan Zee) scored his first career goal as the Hawks defeated visiting No. 7 SUNY Oneonta 1-0 for the first time since 2010 and handed the Red Dragons their first loss since Sept. 5

"I'm proud of the guys and proud of the team," stated first-year head coach Kyle Clancy. "For them to have this strong mentality to close it out against a great team is just awesome."

"We were a little fortunate with the goal we got and defended our butts off and kept them from good opportunities. It was a great effort by the boys."

For New Paltz (6-3-6, 2-3-1 SUNYAC), the victory rejuvenated their season as the Hawks now have eight league points heading into the last weekend of the regular season on Oct. 21-22 still fighting for a postseason berth.
 

As previously mentioned, this is the first win for the Hawks against Oneonta since Sept. 18, 2010 (W, 2-1) and the program's first victory over a nationally-ranked opponent since knocking off No. 19 SUNY Plattsburgh 1-0 on Oct. 7, 2011.

Hennessy notched the match's only goal in the 27^th minute, sailing a free kick from behind the midfield line which floated into the box. Oneonta's keeper tried punching the ball away but it tipped off his knuckles and found the back of the net to give the Hawks the 1-0 edge.

Both teams had several scoring chances for the remainder of the contest but could not capitalize as New Paltz held on for the key SUNYAC and Catskill Cup win. With the win, New Paltz currently leads Oneonta 7-2 in the rivalry standings.

Offensively for the Hawks, senior midfielders Sam Wasser (Melville, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) and Charlie Versen (Dobbs Ferry, NY/The Masters School) both led the attack with three shots each. The Red Dragons (11-3-1, 5-1-1 SUNYAC) held the edge in shots, 14-8, and corner kicks, 3-2.

Junior netminder John Guzzo (Carle Place, NY/Carle Place) played great in goal, making four crucial saves against the Red Dragons.

New Paltz wraps up the regular season next weekend, Oct. 21-22, hosting SUNY Fredonia before playing Buffalo State in the Heinz Ahlmeyer Game.