NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz men's soccer team celebrated Senior Day on North Turf Saturday afternoon, earning a 3-2 victory over Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse behind a three-point performance from Brandon Dhanoolal.
Prior to kickoff, the Hawks honored their eight-member senior class of Joe Washington, Riley Tait, Samuel Snider, Ryan Zindler, Kieran Weber, Nico Peralta, David Lamour and Logan Yamamoto, recognizing them for their efforts and contributions over their careers.
SUNY New Paltz overcame an early deficit to pick up its fourth win of the season, with Dhanoolal leading the way offensively with two goals and an assist. Leo Steiner added his first goal of the season, while reigning NJAC offensive Player of the Week Ryan Zindler chipped in with an assist as the Hawks generated 21 shots, putting 12 on frame.
The Bobcats struck first in the 13th minute, as Tyric Mcallister found the back of the net to give the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.
SUNY New Paltz began working its way into the attacking third following the opening goal, earning back-to-back corner opportunities before drawing a foul inside the box. Dhanoolal stepped up to the penalty spot and converted the ensuing attempt in the 23rd minute, leveling the contest at one apiece.
The Hawks continued to pressure following the equalizer. Cody Hamilton forced Bryant & Stratton goalkeeper Antonio Costa into a save just over a minute later before SUNY New Paltz generated three more corner attempts over the next four minutes.
Weber created a pair of chances late in the half, putting consecutive shots on frame, while Owen Joyce followed with an attempt of his own, but Costa came up with each stop to keep the game tied entering halftime.
SUNY New Paltz came out of the break looking for the go-ahead goal and continued to control possession in its attacking half. The Hawks finally broke through in the 68th minute, with Dhanoolal setting up Steiner for his first goal of the season to push SUNY New Paltz ahead, 2-1.
Less than a minute later, the Hawks struck again as Zindler helped create the opportunity with a cross into the box finding Dhanoolal for his second goal of the afternoon just 46 seconds after Steiner's go-ahead finish, quickly extending the SUNY New Paltz advantage to 3-1.
The Hawks continued creating chances throughout the second half and ultimately finished the period with 14 shots, doubling their seven attempts from the opening 45 minutes.
Bryant & Stratton pulled one back in the 85th minute on a goal from Quelahni Nickie, cutting the deficit to one with just under six minutes remaining. SUNY New Paltz remained composed down the stretch, however, seeing out the final minutes to secure the 3-2 Senior Day victory.
The Hawks finished with a commanding 21-9 advantage in shots, including a 12-3 edge in attempts on goal. SUNY New Paltz also generated nine corner kicks compared to just one for the Bobcats.
Dhanoolal paced the Hawks with three shots, all on target, finishing with two goals and an assist. Weber registered a team-high four shots, while Zindler and Dante Gulla each added three. Austin Sheehan earned the victory in net for SUNY New Paltz.
The Hawks improved to 4-2-1 on the season with the win as they look to host Springfield College on Tuesday, September 22nd at 4:45 PM.
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