Wilkes-Barre, PA — The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team got back in the win column in a big way Saturday night, defeating the King's Monarchs, 3-0.

The Hawks, coming off a tough 1-0 loss at Vassar Wednesday, put on an offensive clinic Saturday evening, getting all three goals in the second half, finally breaking through after ample opportunity in the opening 45 minutes. 

The offense was very good all day long, pushing the ball consistently and getting many quality attempts. In the first half, Papis Konate and Brandon Davenport got shots on goal. Finally, the team found the back of the net in the 42nd minute when Ryan Stevens broke away for a goal, his first of the season. Stevens did not start the game, and Clancy lauded the efforts of his bench. 

"When we subbed on, there was no drop off," he said. "It was great to see Stevens come on and make an immediate impact with that first goal." 

The attack continued in the second half, as SUNY New Paltz maintained control of the ball and created good opportunities. The good opportunities led to another score, this time in the 66th minute, with Philip Varner scoring on a breakaway opportunity after he struck a ball nicely over the goalkeeper. It was his second goal of the season and his second in as many weeks. 

In the 89th minute, a deflection left King's net uncovered and senior Paul Tola hit a looping left footed shot to make it 3-0 Hawks. Varner was the most prolific individually, with four shots total and three on goal. Kenneth Roby, Davenport and Konate followed with two shots apiece. 

"I was really impressed with the way our team played tonight," Clancy said. "We started a bit slow and on the back foot, but once we gained control, we never looked back. A great team effort in attack." 

That control came in the form of a dominant offensive performance, in which SUNY New Paltz out-shot King's 16-6, with 10 shots on goal to the Monarch's one. 

"Excellent possession, cohesive in the final third, and great combination play," continued Clancy. "It was exactly how we can play at our best, and we did." 

The team was also great defensively, evidenced by goalkeeper Marc Depasquale's save total, one, on the night. 

"We were very strong," Clancy said. "We adjusted well with our shape and really cut down their opportunities as the game went on."

With the win, the Hawks improved to 5-2 and tied Buffalo State (5-1-1) and Courtland (5-1-0) in the win column in the SUNYAC. They will face those teams on the road Oct. 16 and Oct. 23, respectively. 

Next up for the Hawks though is a home game Sept. 24 against The College at Brockport, which will be the first conference game of the season for SUNY New Paltz. The Golden Eagles have won four in a row after dropping their first game of the season and sit at 4-1-1 on the year. It is a contest Clancy is looking forward to.

"I feel like we are in a great spot as we head into SUNYAC play," he said. "I see a high level of confidence and belief from the group." 

Though the conference does have some tough opponents, Clancy expects his team to be ready.  

"I'm looking forward to seeing this level of play continue as we take on some tough opponents in the next few weeks," he said. "We believe in who we are, and what our style is. When we dictate the game, we are tough to beat." 

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