SCRANTON, PA – The State University of New York New Paltz men's soccer team hit the road for a tough non-conference test Saturday afternoon, matching up with No. 17 University of Scranton at Weiss Field.
SUNY New Paltz suffered its first setback of the season, falling to the nationally ranked Royals, 2-1. Scranton established a two-goal advantage late in the opening half before the Hawks mounted a second-half surge, cutting the deficit in half shortly after the break but ultimately coming up just short of the equalizer.
The two sides combined for a relatively quiet opening 15 minutes, vying for possession and exchanging throw-ins as each looked to settle into the contest. The Hawks generated the first corner of the game at the 12:43 mark but were unable to produce a shot off the ensuing set piece.
Scranton began to apply pressure at the other end, aided by a pair of free kicks that allowed the hosts to work their way up the field. First-year goalkeeper Zachary Bloom faced his first test in the 23rd minute when Luke Roberto sent a low attempt toward goal, but Bloom was there to make the save.
The Royals continued pushing forward and, after Bloom turned away another opportunity, the hosts broke through 42 seconds later to take a 1-0 advantage.
Scranton used the opening goal to build momentum, dictating the pace of play and earning back-to-back corner kicks. SUNY New Paltz successfully defended both set pieces and attempted to work its way back into Royals territory, but the hosts continued to generate opportunities.
Scranton doubled its advantage before the end of the half, as Quinn Pipercic found the back of the net to send the Royals into the break holding a 2-0 lead.
SUNY New Paltz came out of the intermission determined to cut into the deficit and wasted little time doing so. Ryan Zindler connected with David Lamour, who took care of the rest, burying his attempt into the upper-left corner to bring the Hawks within one early in the second half.
The goal sparked SUNY New Paltz as the Hawks consistently worked their way into Scranton territory in search of the equalizer. Brandon Dhanoolal registered an attempt in the 60th minute that went wide before Cody Hamilton tested the Royals' keeper in the 67th, but Scranton managed to preserve its one-goal advantage.
SUNY New Paltz's comeback bid became more difficult when a red card reduced the Hawks to 10 players with 19 minutes remaining. Despite playing a man down, the Hawks continued battling for an equalizer. Kieran Weber generated their final opportunity in the 85th minute, sending his attempt just high and right as Scranton held on for the 2-1 victory.
SUNY New Paltz finished with seven shots compared to 11 for Scranton, while both teams earned three corner kicks, all of which came during the opening half.
******************
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.
