Box Score

New Paltz, NY -- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team kept its composure and played aggressively against one of the State University of New York Athletic Conference's (SUNYAC) best teams Friday in visiting SUNY Potsdam, but ultimately fell, 3-0.

"I thought that it was exciting to see how we played in the last 10 to 15 minutes, with that sense of urgency," said Hawks coach Mike Eckberg. "It's difficult to see that, and it's disheartening on one end but it's certainly uplifting on the other to try and take that into tomorrow as we prepare for Plattsburgh." 

The Bears (11-2-1 overall, 4-1-1 SUNYAC) put the pressure on SUNY New Paltz (2-11-1, 1-5-1) from the get-go, pushing the Hawks onto their half of the field for most of the first half. SUNY New Paltz relied on its defense, which has increasingly become stronger as the season progressed, but SUNY Potsdam found an opportunity to score its first goal in the 13th minute.

The Bears out-shot the Hawks 19-3, nine of which were on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Megan Tornatore made seven saves during the first half.

SUNY New Paltz came into the second half ready to fight for its home turf, aggressively pushing the ball toward the Bears' net, but couldn't follow through. Senior forward Rachael Purtell attempted a shot on SUNY Potsdam's goal in the 67th minute and another in the 82nd, the latter being the Hawks' only shot on target. Despite SUNY New Paltz's increased aggressive play, the Bears scored two more goals in the 59th and 62nd minute.

The Hawks refused to give up as the game came to a close. The ball spent the last 15 minutes on SUNY Potsdam's half. SUNY New Paltz improved its communication and made plays the Bears could not infiltrate. Junior midfielder Alex Wild made one last shot in the 86th minute from the wide left, creating hope the Hawks could narrow the deficit, but missed the net by a few feet.

"I think the expectation is to be able to rebound on the second leg of this weekend and compete and put ourselves in line and whatever happens, be content with giving it our all," said Eckberg.

SUNY New Paltz will return Saturday at 1 p.m. to the South Turf for its last home game of the season to face of Plattsburgh State on Senior Day.

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