NEWARK, NJ – The State University of New York New Paltz men's soccer team earned a crucial three points in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play Wednesday evening, defeating Rutgers-Newark 2-1 at Frederick Douglass Field.
The Hawks (8-4-1 overall, 3-2 NJAC) received goals from Brandon Dhanoolal and Cody Hamilton, building a two-goal advantage before holding off a late push from the Scarlet Raiders (5-3-4, 2-1-1 NJAC). Hamilton's second-half tally ultimately stood as the game-winner, helping SUNY New Paltz secure the triumph.
Rutgers-Newark generated the first dangerous opportunities of the evening, testing the Hawks' defense early. Zahradeen Amadou sent an attempt high in the 12th minute before forcing goalkeeper Austin Sheehan into a save at 13:44. Daniel Velazquez followed with another shot on target in the 17th minute, but Sheehan was there to keep the hosts off the board.
SUNY New Paltz began finding its footing offensively midway through the opening half, with Ryan Zindler registering the Hawks' first attempt in the 25th minute. Just over three minutes later, Brandon Dhanoolal broke the deadlock in emphatic fashion, unleashing a rocket from well outside the penalty area that proved too hot for the Rutgers-Newark goalkeeper to handle. The powerful strike found the back of the net at 28:34, giving the Hawks a 1-0 advantage.
The Hawks continued searching for opportunities following the opener, with Hamilton testing Rutgers-Newark goalkeeper in the 35th minute. The Scarlet Raiders responded with an attempt from Ethan Paschkes in the 43rd minute, but Sheehan made his third save of the half to preserve the one-goal lead entering the break.
SUNY New Paltz maintained its advantage early in the second half as Owen Joyce registered attempts in the 47th and 63rd minutes. The Hawks continued working to create separation, eventually finding their second goal just past the hour mark.
At 65:24, Chase Marshall connected with Hamilton, who finished the opportunity for his first goal of the season. The tally doubled the Hawks' advantage to 2-0 and gave SUNY New Paltz breathing room entering the final 25 minutes.
Rutgers-Newark responded with increased pressure, generating a corner kick in the 70th minute before Gabe Gomez sent an attempt wide in the 72nd. The Scarlet Raiders eventually broke through at 75:29 when Augusto Vieira converted off an assist from Noah Russon, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
With the hosts pushing for an equalizer, SUNY New Paltz remained composed defensively, protecting its narrow advantage through the closing minutes to secure the conference victory.
Rutgers-Newark finished with a 10-6 advantage in shots, including a 6-3 edge in the second half. SUNY New Paltz controlled the corner-kick battle, however, earning seven opportunities compared to the Scarlet Raiders' four.
Hamilton led the Hawks with two shots on goal, while Joyce registered two attempts. Sheehan played the full 90 minutes between the posts, recording three saves to earn the victory.
******************
To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.
