The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team is coming off an exciting road double-overtime win against King's College Saturday, which was the perfect way to lead into its first conference play of the season against Fredonia State and Buffalo State Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The Hawks (5-2) looked impressive through their first seven non-conference games, losing just twice to New York University and Vassar College. What has carried them through the early part of their schedule, especially in the first three games of the year, is the explosiveness of their offense, which goes into Friday and Saturday's contests averaging nearly three goals per game.

However, against the Monarchs it was their defense that was on full display. SUNY New Paltz played with 10 men for all of the second half after a red card was handed out to midfielder Coltan Goodwine in the 44^th minute. Additionally, starting goalkeeper John Guzzo went down midway through the second half with a groin injury, but the Hawks back-line and back up keeper Marc DePasquale handled the pressure and kept the shutout going through regulation to force overtime.

After both squads evened up two minutes into extra time after King's College was given a red, the offense started creating more opportunities as the game went on and it was clear which team was more fit. The Hawks capitalized in the 106^th minute, as freshman Pedro Marshall scored on a highlight strike to register his first collegiate goal and solidify the, 1-0 victory for his team.

"Defending a man-down for the majority of the game against King's was a bit of a confidence booster," said SUNY New Paltz senior Brendan McGaley. "It is something to be proud of, but it is nothing to hold us back from working hard and making sure we are defending with a full team even harder, coming out against SUNYAC teams this weekend."

The Hawks are excited to begin conference play against the Blue Devils, who they defeated 2-1 last season. This year, Fredonia State (2-3-1) has averaged less than a goal per game, while allowing about one goal against. Its leading scorer is Chad Gilson, who has recorded two goals through six games. Ty Bentham has started all six matches and has a .829 save percentage thus far.

"This week we've been working on defensive clearances, getting out of the box quick, getting up and winning headers, because we know Fredonia is a good team in the air," McGaley said. "They're good on set pieces, corner kicks, free kicks, long throws, so we want to prepare for that and really win every single 50-50 in the box."

Meanwhile, the Hawks are looking at a little bit of redemption against the Bengals (5-1), who earned the win on their home turf, 1-0. Buffalo State is averaging nearly three goals per game, while allowing less than one against. Ali Shawish has led the Bengals offensively with three goals and three assists on the year, while Andreas Queen has manned the majority of minutes in net and has totaled 15 saves through five games played.

"Losing to Buff State in the last game of the season last year is definitely motivation to come out and beat them this year in the home conference opener," McGaley added. "We are really excited to come out this weekend, especially after our hot start in our non-conference games, we're really excited to get into the SUNYAC and just dominate the best that we can, and get two wins this weekend… It's going to be good to get a little bit of redemption."

Buffalo State earned the third seed in the SUNYAC tournament a year ago after finishing 6-0-3 in conference, while Fredonia State, like SUNY New Paltz, missed out on the playoffs after ending with a 2-5-2 SUNYAC mark.

The Hawks are scheduled to take on the Blue Devils Friday at 4 p.m. and the Bengals Saturday at 1 p.m. on the South Turf Field. To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.