New Paltz, NY — A dominant senior day win capped the State University of New York New Paltz non-conference schedule Saturday as the Hawks rolled to a 4-0 rout of visiting St. Joseph's-Long Island.
"It was nice to see all the boys get on the field today and get the win against a very good play rolling into conference play, hoping to keep this momentum going," said SUNY New Paltz senior centerback
Ryan Bochenski who got his team on the board to ignite the offense.
Although the game finished in a blowout, the Hawks had to stymy a Golden Eagles front to start the game. Midway through the first half, a ball paced past SUNY New Paltz's backline causing a 50-50 between St. Joseph's-LI and keeper
Matt Katz. The ball deflected behind the junior goalie with the Golden Eagles running on and putting a shot on what was an empty net. However, Bochenski hustled to recover and slid to clear the attempt away inches before crossing the goal line to preserve the shutout.
St. Joseph's-LI continued the momentum and ripped a shot three minutes later from just outside the 18-yard box forcing Katz to make a diving save, parrying the ball away to help keep the score at zeros.
The Hawks found their chance, however, as
David Acker stepped up to take a free kick 40 yards out. He sent his service far post where
Bryan Lizama was running on. Lizama headed the ball back into the middle of the six-yard box, finding the head of Bochenski who smashed his second of the year to push his team in front with 10 minutes remaining in the half.
SUNY New Paltz took the 1-0 lead into the break and held onto the one-goal cushion until the 67th minute, which opened up the Golden Eagles defense, bombarding two more within a 10-minute span.
Alex Wyant helped start the sequence leading up to the Hawks' second goal, showing off his footwork to maneuver through two defenders before slotting a pass wide to
Riley Tait running on. Tait then sent a swinging low cross toward the top of the six-yard box with Weber getting a slight touch before
Brandon Dhanoolal finished the job weak side for the goal.
The combination of Dhanoolal, Weber and Wyant were a part of SUNY New Paltz's third goal as well in the 77th minute. Dhanoolal sent a dangerous ball in toward the six with Wyant sailing to get a volley toward goal. St. Joseph's-LI goalie Dean Burchard (15 saves) made a great, point-blank reactionary save, but Weber was there to follow up and knock in the rebound for his third of the season.
Wyant then capped the scoring less than a minute later. SUNY New Paltz pounced on the lull by the Golden Eagles defense, putting pressure inside the box.
Owen Joyce tried a shot on target, which was blocked but the visitors couldn't clear their zone and ultimately the rebound fell to the foot of Wyant who neatly placed his team-leading, fourth goal of the season far corner for the score.
"I think everybody had a pretty good performance," Bochenski said. "Everybody had a very good performance today. Very happy for the boys."
SUNY New Paltz dominated statistically as well, out-shooting St. Joseph's-LI, 30-8 including 19-3 in shots on goal and held the advantage in corners, 11-0.
The Hawks played a deep bench to aid in the win.
Ryan Zindler tallied a team-high four shots off the bench alongside starters
Colin Brant and
Riley Tait. Weber, Wyant and Dhanoolal led the way offensively with a goal and an assist. Katz, meanwhile, finished with three saves while
Cody Baker came in to help aid in the shutout.
SUNY New Paltz concludes non-conference play at 5-1-2 overall, as it begins its last stint in the SUNYAC Saturday against No. 9 nationally ranked SUNY Cortland.
"Treat it like any other game," Bochenski added. "Go in with a [sharp] mentality and play our game. We should come out with a win, playing the way we do. Keep our style and keep rolling."
The Hawks are set to host the Red Dragons Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. on South Turf Field.
Men's Soccer vs. SJLI Photo Gallery (by Monica D'Ippolito)
Post-Game Featuring Ryan Bochenski
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