New Paltz, NY — A second-half surge propelled the State University of New York New Paltz past the Stevens Ducks, pushing the hosts to a 2-1 victory Wednesday.
The Hawks (4-1-2) got out to a slow start against Stevens (1-2-3). SUNY New Paltz only curated one viable set piece and recorded three shots compared to the Ducks' seven in the first half.
In the 26th minute of play,
Kieran Weber tried on net, but the shot deflected back into the 16-yard box.
Colin Brant possessed the loose ball and fired it back, but the attempt went out wide.
Near the end of the half,
Alex Wyant took the Hawks' only other shot on net and fired a low ball past the Stevens backline. Unfortunately, the buzzer sounded soon after to end the half, still scoreless for both teams — until SUNY New Paltz came out for the second half with a new fire ignited beneath them.
The energy on the field from the first half into the second was night and day for the Hawks, as every player on the field moved with a newfound intensity.
Brandon Dhanoolal attempted first for both teams, but the shot was saved by Ducks' keeper Sebastian Montoulieu. Just more than a minute later, Weber tried again on net, but Montoulieu corralled the ball and terminated the opportunity.
In the 68th minute, SUNY New Paltz gained a corner kick after deflecting a ball off the Ducks' backline. The ensuing cross landed at the feet of Wyant, who then shot on net. The attempt was saved, but Stevens again sent the ball out past the goal line, giving the Hawks another try from the corner.
Again, Wyant corralled the ball, but was fouled inside the box — a call that handed the Hawks a penalty kick opportunity.
Wyant lined up the ball for the kick and chipped the shot up high, but Montoulieu denied the chance. However, quick off the line, Wyant headed the deflection into the net, and the senior tallied the Hawks' first goal of the match on the second-chance opportunity.
After Wyant's goal, SUNY New Paltz needed another offensive spark to ensure its lead for the remaining 20 minutes of play. And, that offensive spark came from the backline.
Junior defender
David Lamour possessed a loose ball in the Hawks' defensive third before charging up the center of the field. After completing a near 80-yard run past the entire Ducks' defense, Lamour chipped the ball past Montoulieu to net his first career goal as a Hawk. The junior's goal also added padding to SUNY New Paltz's lead, up 2-0 with exactly 12 minutes remaining.
Despite the hosts' strong momentum, Stevens did not back down. In the 80th minute, the Ducks were able to chip in a goal after charging upfield after regaining possession off a Hawks' shot attempt.
Stevens wasted no time getting back to the midline, only trailing SUNY New Paltz by one with under ten minutes remaining. However, the small time saved did not provide the Ducks with any needed minutes. The Hawks controlled the remainder of the game and locked down in the defensive third, finishing the game victorious, 2-1.
Wyant led with a goal and four shots on frame in only 42 minutes of play, followed by Lamour, who netted one in 74 minutes. In net,
Joe Washington tallied two saves on the day. Washington played all 90 minutes for the Hawks, joined by
Ryan Bochenski,
Nico Peralta and Sam Snider, who all registered a full game of play.
Next up, SUNY New Paltz takes on St. Joseph's University Long Island for the Hawks Senior Day game. Kick off is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday.
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