NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz men's soccer team returned home Wednesday afternoon for a midweek matchup against Hudson Valley rival Vassar College, falling just short in a tightly contested 1-0 battle on South Turf.
The Hawks entered the matchup looking to bounce back following a narrow road loss against nationally ranked Scranton and controlled much of the attacking play against the Brewers. SUNY New Paltz finished with a 13-10 advantage in shots and earned five corner kicks to Vassar's four, but a late first-half goal proved to be the difference.
Both teams looked to establish themselves early, with Vassar generating the first shot of the afternoon in the fourth minute. SUNY New Paltz answered less than two minutes later as Dante Gulla put the Hawks' first attempt on frame, forcing Brewers goalkeeper Jacob Raphan into an early save.
Ryan Zindler followed with an attempt in the 13th minute that went wide left before the Hawks continued applying pressure midway through the half. SUNY New Paltz earned their first corner in the 22nd minute, with Gulla generating another opportunity shortly after.
The hosts continued to hold the attacking advantage as the half progressed, but Vassar broke through against the run of play at the 39:49 mark to take a 1-0 advantage into the break. The Hawks finished the opening 45 minutes with an 8-2 advantage in shots, putting four attempts on target.
The Brewers came out more aggressive following halftime, forcing goalkeeper Austin Sheehan into action as SUNY New Paltz looked to keep the deficit at one. Sheehan stood strong in goal, making five second-half saves and six overall to keep the Hawks within striking distance.
SUNY New Paltz continued searching for an equalizer and generated five more shots while earning three second-half corners. Zindler led the Hawks' attack with five shots on the afternoon, while Gulla, Brandon Dhanoolal and David Lamour each registered two attempts. Riley Tait also put an effort on frame as SUNY New Paltz continued pushing forward.
Despite the Hawks' late pressure, Vassar held firm over the closing minutes to preserve the one-goal advantage and hand the home team its second consecutive narrow defeat.
The Hawks remain home Saturday, Sept. 19 when they host Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse for Senior Day on North Turf. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
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