Cortland, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz went on the road and walked away with a statement victory Friday, handing SUNY Cortland its first conference loss of the seaso after capturing a 1-0 win.
 
The Hawks (8-4 overall, 2-2 SUNYAC) were locked in from the start and defended well for 90 minutes, limiting the Red Dragons (6-3-2, 2-1-1) to just nine shots, including only three in the first half to record their seventh shutout of the season.
 
"It was a great performance by our team and a well-deserved win," said SUNY New Paltz coach Kyle Clancy. "From the great defensive effort by all 11 players on the field, working in unison and winning every first and second ball, to the work in the buildup and the final third to create a lot of good chances. They were locked in and took it to Cortland from the whistle." 
 
The game went scoreless into halftime with the Hawks holding the advantage in opportunities, 6-3, including four corners. However, they finally capitalized in the 56th minute on a beautiful goal by sophomore forward James Maltes who struck his shot just out of the reach of Cortland goalkeeper Braden Melveney. 
 
"James' finish was fantastic," Clancy said. "Took excellent composure and technique and was the individual effort we needed to take the lead."
  SUNY New Paltz hung on to the slight 1-0 cushion the rest of the way, holding the Red Dragons to just three shots and a pair of corners down the stretch. Marc DePasquale was credited with four saves in the victory for the Hawks to earn his seventh win of the season.
 
Kevin Doorley paced SUNY New Paltz with five shots, followed by Maltes, Ryan Hilliard and Coltan Goodwine with two apiece.
 
"We were really proud of the effort our guys gave today and also proud of their ability to concentrate, execute and stay composed in a difficult environment," Clancy said with more than 500 Red Dragon fans in attendance Friday. "The goal is to carry that same level into another tough game tomorrow, come out with confidence and get ready to battle it out on the field."
 
The Hawks will look to collect their third-straight conference win Saturday when they visit Oswego State for a 1 p.m. game

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