Box Score New Paltz, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team held its home opener Saturday against New York University. The Hawks created plenty of chances throughout the game and out-shot the Violets, but couldn't capitalize on enough opportunities and suffered a last-second, 2-1, defeat.

"We created a lot of good opportunities. We just didn't finish ours today and they got a good chance in the end and they executed," said SUNY New Paltz coach Kyle Clancy. "It was a tough one, but I think if we play like that we are going to be a very difficult team to beat."

The Hawks (2-1) held possession in NYU's defensive third for the beginning of the first half and earned three corners within the first 45 minutes, but could not take advantage. Their best opportunity came in the seventh minute, with freshman James Maltes playing a nifty ball into the box for Kevin Doorley, whose lofted shot looked as though it was going to clear the goalies head and into the net. However, NYU keeper Grant Engel made a nice diving save on the play to tip the ball over the bar and keep the score knotted at zeros.

Oliver Kleban answered for the Violets with a minute left in the half, finishing off a cross into the box by Louis Meeks, which beat SUNY New Paltz keeper Marc DePasquale low for the game's first goal.

However, midway through the second half the Hawks answered after earning a penalty kick following a counter attack off a NYU corner kick on the opposite end. Ryan Martinez stepped up and slotted his shot right side for his third of the year to tie up the game at one.

It went back and forth down the stretch, but it was the Violets in the 90^th minute who earned the advantage. Isaiah Boyd carried the ball down the right wing and sent a lofted cross toward the six-yard box, finding Pablo Vargas running on who got enough on the pass to knock it past DePasquale for the go-ahead goal.

"Defensively I thought with the amount of shots we were able to limit them to, the amount of chances, that I think is a positive sign for us because it is an area that we have some new guys in the back," Clancy said. "So it's getting them to jell a little bit more and getting used to each other, working together, moving as a unit, but they were great. Just a couple break downs and it led to two goals, so we just have to improve in that area and I think then we will be able to beat quality teams I think."

Doorley finished with four shots to lead the Hawks, followed by Martinez (3) and Khalil Scott-Ludewig (2). DePasquale played the full 90 minutes, faced six shots and finished with four saves on the day.

"We had great opportunities to finish our chances. We just missed a few and we created a lot of good ones. NYU is a very good team. They're technical, they move the ball really well and our guys did a really nice job breaking them down," Clancy said. "I think there is a lot of first year guys making an impact when they come on the field and a lot of guys who maybe didn't play as much this year who are showing good development each game. Our team is getting better each game that we play."

SUNY New Paltz is looking to bounce back Sunday when it takes on Lehman College, which defeated Bard College, 1-0, in overtime Saturday. The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start 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.