New Paltz, NY - The State University of New York at New Paltz tied the Oswego Lakers in a rainy and scoreless match. This match was still meaningful, however, as the Hawks were playing their annual Heinz Ahlmeyer Jr. game, honoring the 1966 soccer alumni who died serving the United States in the Vietnam War.
The game was both physical and intense, with both teams looking to make pushes to score throughout the match, especially in the last minutes of play. The competitors juxtaposed each other on the field. Oswego sported a defense-oriented team with size, while the Hawks could command control in the midfield using quick footwork and speed and were able to make many runs to the net.
The first half began with play being mostly in the midfield with attempts to move into the attacking thirds of the field for both teams. SUNY New Paltz had 10 shots on the cage and Oswego noted three attempts. The whistle was blown often, the Hawks gained five fouls and one yellow card in the initial half, while the Lakers totaled four fouls. The buzzer sounded for the half and the score was still 0-0 with 45 minutes of play left.
The second half proved the Hawks' offensive mindset. They were able to get off 12 shots, in comparison to the Lakers' four. Midfielders such as Gabriel Cruz and Joseph DiPreta led the charge, having a combined 12 shots with four on goal at the end of the match.
SUNY New Paltz also had six corner kick opportunities, but none would find the back of the net. The last ten minutes of play were neck-and-neck, and possession changed often as both teams were taking risks offensively to attempt to put one in, but all were unsuccessful. Oswego saved five shots total, and Christian Micheli had a solid game in the Hawks' cage, totaling four saves.
The Hawks had a commendable offensive effort this game, between Cruz, DiPreta and forward Yare Harris, all being forces in the Hawks' offensive lineup against Oswego and other competition the Hawks have seen this season.
"I think we are doing well with the system we have chosen to play with and the way we build from the back," said Harris, regarding the teams' play as a whole. The Hawks have seen success this season, defeating key teams such as Geneseo and Buffalo State, and they plan to take that success forward into the rest of SUNYAC play.
"The ways we support each other on and off the field is also a big factor in why I think we play as well as we do as a team," said Harris. "Based on how well we have done in the season, we've realized as a team we are one, if not the best team in the conference."
The Hawks are back in action on October 18 against Cortland. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.
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