New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz pulled an upset over first place Brockport Saturday, as the Hawks secured a 1-0 win at home on Senior Day.
 
SUNY New Paltz clinched a postseason spot with the victory and remained in fourth in the conference standings behind the Golden Eagles, Cortland and Oneonta.
 
The Hawks nearly earned a win over Cortland Wednesday on the road but gave up a one-goal halftime lead and fell, 2-1. They made sure the same result didn't occur against Brockport Saturday as they came out strong in the second half and defended well throughout.
 
"It means a lot to get three points," said SUNY New Paltz senior midfielder Philip Varner. "Last week against Cortland, we had a 1-nill lead at half and we came out at halftime and didn't play so well, so we wanted to make up for that today and just do better."
 
 
The Hawks honored their six graduating seniors prior to the game in goalkeeper Andrea Bentoglio, midfielders Varner, Ryan Hilliard, center back Sean O'Neill, backs Gabriel Cruz and Michael Horner. Varner was the difference in the match, as his goal in the 20th minute gave SUNY New Paltz the lead, which it held onto for its sixth shutout of the season.  
"I was running at Tim [Kane] and I told him to let it go, and I saw the defender come over and I just hit it before he could get to me. It was nice to score on Senior Day too," Varner said, recounting his game-winner. 
 
The Hawks out-played the Golden Eagles and limited them to just five shots, three on target, while SUNY New Paltz totaled 10 shots, six in the second half with seven corner kick opportunities.
 
Brian Boylan led the Hawks off the bench with three shots, followed by Tim Kane with two. Varner's lone attempt at net was the go-ahead score as he logged 82 minutes. Christian Micheli played the full 90 and recorded three saves in goal.
 
"Definitely on Senior Day it's big. Obviously, we know we haven't won at home yet so it's our first one it's big," Varner said. "I think the way we defended the box. It's been a problem of ours the past few games. We did good in the end. They were throwing balls in the box and we just defended well and put our bodies on the line so that's big."
 
SUNY New Paltz is back in action Wednesday when they host SUNY Potsdam on South Turf Field at 3 p.m.

Post-Game Interview with Philip Varner


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