New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz opened up its home 2026 slate against visiting Kean University Saturday on North Turf Field and despite a valiant effort, couldn't overcome a dominant opening quarter by the Cougars and fell, 9-6.
 
The Hawks (0-2 overall) spotted Kean five goals to start the game, and they chased the rest of the way with their defense anchoring down to hold the Cougars to just four goals in the next three period to keep the comeback alive.
 
Blake Lyons got the offense going, as he capitalized on a man-up situation following a tripping penalty. Nick Darcangelo added on in the final minute of the half, started on a nice save by Jacob Kenny. The Hawks did well to clear cleanly, leading to an opportunity for Darcangelo to get a look on cage, which he buried to trim the score to 6-2 at the break.  
 
Luke Walters ignited his team, scoring his first career goal to end the third period. The play started on a save by Kenny with Sean Cassidy using his legs to get the ball over the midline for the good clear. Finn Smith then found Walters, the Hawks' top defensive midfielder, open at the top spot and the junior fired a shot low for the score, trimming the score to 8-4 entering the final 15 minutes.
   
Both team's defenses shined to start the final quarter with the Cougars adding one last goal with eight minutes to go. Ryan O'Hara won the ensuing faceoff for SUNY New Paltz with Darcangelo coming up with the ground ball and immediately finding Nate Urban who lasered a shot at cage to tally his first goal since 2024.
 
Kean was hit with a pushing penalty with less than four minutes left and the Hawks capitalized with the man-up, as Jack McLaughlin finished on a feed from Urban to get the hosts within three of the lead. O'Hara was credited with the ensuing faceoff win with Walters going in and picking up the ground ball, but the Hawks couldn't capitalize on the offensive possession. Blake Hayden and Colin Cleary each had chances, but ultimately SUNY New Paltz turned the ball over on a shot clock violation.
 
The Hawks were gifted another man-up chance in the final two minutes as the Cougars were called on a delay of game penalty, but SUNY New Paltz couldn't find a look on cage and were shut out the rest of the way, resulting in the 9-6 difference.
 
Darcangelo totaled a team-high three points on two goals and an assist, followed by Urban with a goal and an assist. Darcangelo added two ground balls. O'Hara led the team in the category as the FOGO recorded five, followed by defensemen Aidan Harrington who had four, along with a team-high two caused turnovers.
 
Kenny played tough in goal and finished with 18 saves in his second career collegiate start.


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