NEW PALTZ, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team fell to SUNY Cortland, 4-0 Friday. After the loss, the Hawks drop to 3-7-2 overall and 0-3-1 in conference play. With the win, the Red Dragons improve to 6-5-1 overall and 3-0-1 in the SUNYAC.

"There was a lack of execution on the small things," Hawks coach Mike Eckberg said. "That makes the big picture look ugly. We didn't see any fight in our players today, and it's completely unacceptable."

The Red Dragons were aggressive right from kickoff, as they got a shot off in the first 40 seconds of play. The early attempt was one of six shots that Cortland would take in the first 19 minutes. However, they all came up empty.
 

Cortland's Ro Hernandez ended the streak of misses in the 20th minute when she found space and buried a shot from six yards out. The goal was Hernandez's eighth of the season.

Despite having a couple opportunities to draw even, SUNY New Paltz was unable to punch it in. Taylor Fillippone had a good look that was saved, and just before time expired in the first half, Victoria Maffettone fired a shot that was also saved. 

Hernandez got things started once again for SUNY Cortland in the second half. Her ninth goal of the season, and second of the game, came in the 52nd minute to give the Red Dragons a two goal advantage. Hernandez now leads the SUNYAC in goals scored.  

SUNY Cortland never looked back, tacking on two more goals and keeping the Hawks in check with its physical and aggressive play style.

"We did not compete physically," Eckberg said. "We were consistently beaten off the ball."

SUNY New Paltz will have a quick turnaround as they stay at home for a 1 p.m. match against Oswego State on Saturday. Being the last home game of 2019, SUNY New Paltz will celebrate its seniors for Senior Day.

"It'll be a challenge for us to reset," Eckberg said. "Good teams can find a way. For us, I don't know what kind of team we're going to be."