Schenectady, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team battled to a 0-0 draw Thursday in their season opener against Union College.
 
The Hawks played stout defensively but had trouble finishing in the final third despite out-shooting the Dutchmen 13-7, along with having an 8-1 advantage on corners.
 
"Thought we defended very well, put good pressure on Union and were able to win the ball back quickly quite often," said SUNY New Paltz coach Kyle Clancy. "There were very good moments of the game where we built well and created some good chances, just were missing the final piece. Didn't quite connect like we needed, delivery overall was off and just lacked a bit of hunger in the box. But all things we will keep improving on this weekend." Gabriel Cruz and Papis Konate led SUNY New Paltz with three shots, as the Hawks forced Union keeper Sean Speck to make five saves in the game, while their defense limited the Dutchmen to just two shots on frame with sophomore Christian Micheli, who made his first collegiate start, earned the win while making two stops in the match.
 
"Very happy to keep a clean sheet and see a good level of intensity and pressure on the ball," Clancy said.
 
SUNY New Paltz is back on the field Saturday when they compete in the Drew Tournament against the hosting Rangers Saturday at 5 p.m. and FDU-Florham Sunday at 3 p.m.
*******************

To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.