The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team has had a hot start to the 2018 season, totaling 11 goals in its opening three games to remain undefeated on the year. The Hawks head back home and will play on the South Turf Field for the first time in 2018, hoping to keep up that same momentum they started the season with on the road.

"It's going to be a good weekend," said SUNY New Paltz sophomore Kevin Doorley, who leads the team in goals (four), assists (two) and points (10) through three games. "It's going to be two really good teams and it's going to be two good matches, so we're going to have to play at our top level, which we know we can. We're definitely confident, but we know we're going to have to step up."

The Hawks (3-0) struggled putting the ball in the back of the net last season. In 2017 they mustered just 1.5 goals per game, while this season have averaged more than three goals per game against quality completion in Skidmore University and Union College. And although they came away with a win against Albertus Magnus College Sept. 3, they were a little disappointed in netting just four goals after out-shooting the Falcons, 28-4.

"We're trying to get the ball wide, trying to attack the outside backs, get balls in the box, finish our chances, which is something we can still improve on, but creating chances is the most important thing," Doorley said. "The goals will come. I am confident with that, so just keep fighting, keep working and keep battling."

Doorley hasn't been the only one contributing for the Hawks. Seven different players have registered a point thus far, including freshmen Ryan Stevens and Pedro Marshall, who are two of eight newcomers that have already made an impact on the field for coach Kyle Clancy's club.

"You've got a lot of different players coming in and this year we brought in a lot of attacker wingers," Doorley said. "They are very direct, they like to take on their guys and get to the line and put balls in. They're creating a lot of chances in the box, so that's definitely the difference this year."

SUNY New Paltz is excited to come home and continue their success, hopefully keeping its perfect record alive. First up for the Hawks is New York University (1-1), which is coming off a 1-0 win against Rowan University Sept. 1. Owen Smith has led the Violets with two goals and an assist for five points on the year.

The Hawks will then face Lehman College (1-1), which is looking for its second win of the year. The Lightning are coming off a 4-0 loss to Ramapo College, and earned a season-opening victory against Sarah Lawrence College, 3-0, Aug. 31. Sahl Alzubidi leads the team with two goals on five shots. 

The SUNY New Paltz men's soccer tournament is set to start Saturday on the South Turf Field. The Hawks will face NYU at noon and then Lehman College will take on Bard College at 3 p.m. SUNY New Paltz is back on the field Sunday at 3 p.m. against the Lightning to close out the tournament, with the Violets playing the Raptors at noon. 

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