ONEONTA, NY — The SUNY New Paltz women's soccer team concluded its Mayor's Cup Tournament weekend Sunday afternoon, falling narrowly, 1-0, on the road against SUNY Oneonta.
Coming off a 3-0 win over Hartwick College Saturday, the Hawks geared up for their second contest in as many days and faced pressure early from the Red Dragons, who generated several opportunities throughout the opening half. Junior goalkeeper Jess Centeri kept SUNY New Paltz in the contest with five first-half saves.
Oneonta eventually broke through in the 24th minute, striking from outside the box with an attempt that bounced off the crossbar and crossed the goal line for what proved to be the lone score of the afternoon.
SUNY New Paltz nearly answered off a set piece, as Zoey Manzo struck an attempt toward goal that forced a save from Oneonta goalkeeper Emily Hardinson. Hardinson managed to get a piece of the shot before it ricocheted off the crossbar and out for a Hawks corner. SUNY New Paltz earned the ensuing opportunity but could not capitalize, sending the Red Dragons into halftime with the one-goal advantage.
The Hawks continued searching for an equalizer after the break while withstanding increased pressure from Oneonta at the opposite end. Centeri remained strong between the posts throughout the final 45 minutes, adding six saves to keep SUNY New Paltz within one.
Manzo created another opportunity in the 77th minute, putting an attempt on frame, but Hardinson came away with the stop. The Hawks were unable to find the tying goal over the remaining minutes as Oneonta held on for the 1-0 result.
The Red Dragons finished with a 26-6 advantage in shots and an 8-2 edge in corner kicks. Centeri totaled a season-high 11 saves, while Manzo and Sole O'Hara each recorded two shots to lead SUNY New Paltz offensively.
Clarkson University was crowned the 2026 Mayor's Cup champion after finishing the weekend unbeaten with a 2-1 victory over Oneonta and a 1-0 win against Hartwick. Following the conclusion of the tournament, SUNY New Paltz's Zoey Manzo and Abby Macleod were selected to the Mayor's Cup All-Tournament Team.
SUNY New Paltz will host the Mount Saint Mary College Knights for their home opener on Wednesday, September 9th at 3PM.
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