NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz men's soccer team clinched a berth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament Saturday afternoon, erupting for six goals in a commanding 6-0 shutout victory over Stockton University on North Turf.
The Hawks (9-5-2 overall, 4-3-1 NJAC) exploded for five first-half goals, including four in the opening 19 minutes, to secure their largest margin of victory in conference play this season. Junior Ryan Zindler led the offensive outburst with two goals, while Brandon Dhanoolal finished with a goal and an assist. Kieran Weber, Chase Marshall and Bryan Lizama also found the back of the net as SUNY New Paltz secured its place in the NJAC postseason field in its inaugural season in the conference.
SUNY New Paltz established control immediately, earning a corner kick just 16 seconds after kickoff before Weber tested the Stockton goalkeeper with an attempt toward the upper-left corner in the fourth minute.
Dhanoolal followed with a shot over the crossbar at 3:37, keeping the pressure on the Ospreys' back line. The Hawks' aggressive opening paid off moments later when Stockton committed a foul inside the penalty area.
Dhanoolal stepped to the spot and converted at 4:22, giving SUNY New Paltz an early 1-0 advantage.
The Hawks continued attacking and doubled their lead less than three minutes later. Dhanoolal turned provider, connecting with Zindler at 7:11 as the junior rose up and delivered a dazzling bicycle kick for his first goal of the afternoon.
SUNY New Paltz maintained its relentless offensive pace, adding a third goal in the 15th minute. Owen Joyce set up Weber, who finished at 14:38 to extend the Hawks' lead to 3-0.
The scoring continued just three and a half minutes later as NJAC Rookie of the Week Chase Marshall found the back of the net at 18:09, recording his first collegiate goal and putting SUNY New Paltz ahead 4-0 before the match reached the 20-minute mark.
The Hawks remained in control through the middle portion of the opening half. Dhanoolal continued creating opportunities in the attacking third, while SUNY New Paltz limited Stockton's ability to establish possession and generate meaningful chances.
In the 28th minute, Lizama added his name to the scoresheet, scoring at 27:43 to push the advantage to 5-0.
SUNY New Paltz continued applying pressure throughout the remainder of the half, carrying its five-goal cushion into the break after outshooting Stockton, 10-2, through the opening 45 minutes.
The Hawks returned for the second half with the same defensive intensity, preventing Stockton from registering a shot on goal while continuing to control the pace of the contest.
Zindler put the finishing touches on the offensive performance in the 56th minute, scoring his second goal of the afternoon at 55:58 to extend the lead to 6-0.
With the match firmly in hand, SUNY New Paltz utilized its depth throughout the second half, providing valuable minutes across the roster while maintaining its shutout.
The Hawks' defensive unit remained organized over the final 34 minutes, limiting Stockton to just three second-half attempts, none of which tested the goalkeeper.
Zindler led SUNY New Paltz with two goals on two shots, both on target. Dhanoolal finished with a goal and an assist, while Weber recorded his seventh goal of the season.
Marshall registered his first collegiate goal, while Lizama added his second goal of the fall. Joyce collected an assist on Weber's first-half tally.
SUNY New Paltz finished with a 12-5 advantage in total shots, including a commanding 10-0 edge in shots on goal. The Hawks also held a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.
First-year goalkeeper Austin Sheehan played the opening 76:16 before Zachary Bloom entered for the final 13:44. Neither goalkeeper was called upon to make a save as the Hawks secured the clean sheet.
With the victory, SUNY New Paltz improved to 9-5-2 overall and 4-3-1 in conference play, officially clinching a berth in the NJAC Tournament in its first season as a member of the league.
The Hawks conclude their regular-season schedule Wednesday, Oct. 28, hosting Ramapo College at 3 p.m. on North Turf.
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