NEW PALTZ, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz men's soccer team secured its first New Jersey Athletic Conference victory in program history Saturday afternoon, overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat Rutgers-Camden, 2-1, on South Turf Field.
After falling in its NJAC debut Wednesday, the Hawks returned home and controlled much of Saturday's contest, holding a 13-3 advantage in shots. Rutgers-Camden made its limited opportunities count in the opening half, however, sending SUNY New Paltz into the break trailing, 1-0.
SUNY New Paltz generated six shots through the opening 45 minutes, with Ryan Zindler putting three attempts on frame. Rutgers-Camden goalkeeper Joseph Zubert kept each out before the Scarlet Raptors broke through at the other end.
Allen Jarrin opened the scoring in the 35th minute, finishing off a feed from Conrad Ochalik to give Rutgers-Camden the early advantage.
Senior Riley Tait was active throughout the field for the Hawks, impacting play on both ends while helping New Paltz maintain possession and push forward. Captain Samuel Snider was equally influential in the middle of the field, stepping into the midfield from his usual position along the back line and helping the Hawks win possession and connect play through the center of the pitch.
SUNY New Paltz needed less than eight minutes after halftime to erase the deficit. Tait carried play down the left side before delivering a cross from the edge of the box toward the back post, where Zindler rose and headed the service home at 52:26 to bring the Hawks level at one.
New Paltz continued searching for the go-ahead goal, keeping Rutgers-Camden without a shot on target throughout the second half while adding seven attempts of its own.
The breakthrough finally came with less than seven minutes remaining. Owen Joyce worked his way through the box and created an initial look at goal, but his attempt was blocked by the Scarlet Raptors' defense. Kieran Weber was first to the second effort and buried his chance inside the near post in the 84th minute, putting the Hawks ahead, 2-1.
The Hawks saw out the remaining minutes to secure their first-ever NJAC victory and improve to 1-1 in conference play.
SUNY New Paltz finished with a 13-3 advantage in shots and placed five attempts on goal compared to two for Rutgers-Camden. Both teams earned four corner kicks, while the Hawks committed just four fouls to the Scarlet Raptors' 16.
Zindler accounted for four shots, putting all four on goal and scoring twice. Brandon Dhanoolal added four attempts, while Kieran Weber recorded two. Joyce finished with a shot on goal and helped create the eventual game-winner.
Austin Sheehan made one save in goal as the Hawks improved to 6-3-1 overall and 1-1 in NJAC play.
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