Oneonta, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz opened up SUNYAC play on the road against No. 13 nationally ranked Oneonta Wednesday.
 
The Hawks battled through nearly 54 minutes of scoreless soccer until the Red Dragons struck 10 minutes into the second half.
 
SUNY New Paltz, trying to work backward to re-build possession, passed to keeper Christian Micheli whose first touch was slightly off, allowing a high-pressuring Joe Holder to win the ball in the box and score in front of the open net to push Oneonta up, 1-0, which in turn became the game-winner.
 
Each team had scoring chances throughout the match with the Hawks holding the edge, 13-11, including 7-5 in shots on frame. SUNY New Paltz also did a good job of earning a number of set pieces within their offensive third, including nine corners throughout the game and seven in the second half alone. Joseph DiPreta led the team offensively with three shots, two of target, followed by Yare Harris (2) with Philip Varner, David Acker, Brandon Davenport and Thomas O'Neill each tallying a look on frame.
 
Micheli played the full 90 minutes and made three saves on the night, while the Red Dragons' Nate Hanna picked up seven stops.
 
The loss was the first for SUNY New Paltz, which dropped to 5-1-1 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.

The Hawks are back on the road Saturday as they resume SUNYAC action against Buffalo State. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Buffalo, NY at Coyer Field.

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