Kings Point, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz secured its third shutout Wednesday, as the Hawks traveled to face United States Merchant Marine Academy and came away with a 1-0 win over the Mariners.
 
SUNY New Paltz improved to 2-1-1 with the win, while Merchant Marine dropped to 1-1-1. The Hawks were in control for most of the match and allowed limited chances on goal for the hosts, conceding just seven shots — six of which came in the second half — with only two on target, which were saved by keeper Christian Micheli.
 
Luca Giammarino put the first shot on target for SUNY New Paltz in the second minute, forcing early work for Merchant Marine goalie Chase Miller (six saves). The Hawks earned their first set piece with a corner kick opportunity six minutes later but couldn't get an attempt at net. After re-organizing a bit, they continued the onslaught and put five shots toward frame and earned five corners in the final 20 minutes of the half.
 
However, despite out-shooting the Mariners 7-1 in the half, SUNY New Paltz still faced a 0-0 stalemate entering halftime.
 
"The game was a bit open in the beginning, but we adjusted our shape after 15 minutes and from then on, we were very sound defensively, applying good pressure, creating plenty of turnovers and leading to some good chances," said Hawks coach Kyle Clancy. "We had a lot of good opportunities in the box, but just struggled a bit with our finishing today."  
Merchant Marine pressed to start the second half, but was called on consecutive off-sides to give the ball back to SUNY New Paltz which started connecting in its offensive third. Papis found a pass from Spencer Ryczek and centered a ball in the box for Thomas O'Neill who ripped a shot just inside the 18 that was blocked. The Mariners had trouble clearing, leading to a follow up by Alejandro Londono that was initially saved by Miller, but Konate was there on the follow and banged in the rebound in front of goal for the go-ahead score.
 
"Luckily Papis didn't give up on that play and was able to get us the goal we needed to come away with the win," Clancy said. "He's a player playing with a ton of confidence right now and he's done a nice job creating in the final third these last two games."
 
The Mariners had a few chances down the stretch, but the Hawks continued to stay organized defensively and maintained the 1-0 cushion for the last 40 minutes of the game to cement the victory.
 
O'Neill led the team with three shots, one of which was on goal in 90 minutes of play. David Acker followed with two shots in 49 minutes off the bench. Micheli finished with two saves in the win.
 
"Our possession improved as our defensive shape did and we were able to get on the ball for longer stretches and break them down," Clancy said. "We came very close several times and as we continue to gel as a team, the little adjustments will be made to score more goals."
 
SUNY New Paltz returns to the field Saturday as it visits New York University for a 12 p.m. match.

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