Madison, NJ — The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team held onto its second-straight 1-0 shutout Saturday to push its record to 2-0 on the season and snatch the Drew Fall Festival tournament trophy away from the hosting Rangers on their home turf.
 
"So proud of the way the team played today," said Hawks coach Kyle Clancy. "They were exceptional defensively, working very well to execute the game plan, working hard to keep our shape, apply good pressure and win the ball. We were also much improved defending the box and that was key to our win today." 
SUNY New Paltz needed 80-plus minutes to find the back of the net in its season opener Friday against Stockton, but on Saturday the Hawks established their 1-0 cushion midway through the first half. After a foul by Drew just outside the box, junior midfielder Kevin Doorley played a swinging ball in toward the six-yard box on the free kick, which found the head of 6'4 senior center back Luke Dole, who flicked the ball toward the bottom far corner of the goal to earn his team the lead.
 
Although SUNY New Paltz went into the half with the advantage, Drew totaled more chances on frame through the first 45 minutes, out-shooting the Hawks 8-4.
 
Each team created chances to add more points on the scoreboard in the second half, but both keepers — DePasquale and the Rangers' Jason Adamo — did well in keeping a second-half stalemate.
 
As the time winded down, Drew pressed to even up the score, which allowed SUNY New Paltz to try and take advantage on the counter attack. However, the Rangers' defense did well to keep a high line and coaxed the Hawks into numerous offsides to stifle their attack, eventually totaling six offside calls in the game.
 
"On the attack we had our better moments of possession, and we created more chances as we grew into the game," Clancy said. "We need to improve a bit on putting teams away with the good chances we created on counters at the end, but overall I am pleased at our improvement and I'm excited to get back to work on the practice field to learn from the mistakes we made to be even better next time out."
 
SUNY New Paltz stayed composed defensively as the clock ticked down and managed to get the ball up field to hold possession and waste time in the final five minutes to help solidify the, 1-0 outcome.
 
The Hawks totaled eight shots, four of which were on target, while Drew registered 16 shots and seven on goal, forcing DePasquale to make seven saves in the game.
 
Dole led SUNY New Paltz with three shots, followed by freshman midfielder Ryan Hilliard with two, while Doorley, junior midfielder Schuyler Mann and sophomore forward Ryan Stevens each registered one.
 
James Maltes, who scored the Hawks' go-ahead goal Friday was named Offensive MVP, while Dole earned Defensive MVP after recording a goal and an assist with three shots during the two-day tournament.
 
SUNY New Paltz is back in action next weekend when it takes on SUNY Cobleskill and Morrsiville State Sept. 7 and Sept. 8, respectively, at the Utica College Invitational.  

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