NEW PALTZ, N.Y.- The SUNY Potsdam men's soccer (5-7, 1-4 SUNYAC) was shut out, 3-0, on Friday evening at SUNY New Paltz (5-7, 1-4 SUNYAC). The Hawks scored once in the first half and twice in the second to take down the Bears. Senior goalie Keagen Briggs (Peru, N.Y./Seton Catholic) got the start for Potsdam and made four saves in the loss.
 
New Paltz controlled most of the first half with five shots to Potsdam's one, before the Hawks grabbed the 1-0 lead. At 28:40, James Hennessy took a deep shot towards the Bears' net before Briggs came up with the save, but the rebound bounced right to Nick Comiskey for his second goal of the season. Offensive opportunities slowed on both sides of the ball through the rest of the half and the Hawks took the 1-0 lead into the locker room.
 
Potsdam put the pressure on New Paltz's defense to open the second, but a save by John Guzzo and two shots by sophomore midfielder Jeffrey Schulz (East Moriches, N.Y./Westhampton Beach) that were blocked, kept the Bears off the board. Shortly after, the Hawks added to their lead with a goal from Ryan Martinez and Aleco Podias picked up the assist at the 56:10 minute mark. Physical play picked up following the goal, while New Paltz kept play in Potsdam's zone through the rest of the half. With 82:15 on the clock, the Hawks earned their third goal of the contest when Martinez played the ball ahead to Manny Flory and he beat Briggs to get his first goal of the season. New Paltz had another couple opportunities to add to their total with five minutes to go. Briggs made a save following a Mike Sguera shot and the Bears' defense stayed tough when the Hawks were awarded two corner kicks at 89:34 and 89:51, respectively. Potsdam's offense was unable to get another shot off before time ran out and New Paltz took the 3-0 win.
 
Briggs finished with four saves, while his counterpart John Guzzo stopped two.
 
The Hawks held the 12-6 advantage in shots and 6-1 in corner kicks.
 
Potsdam is back in action tomorrow when the Bears head to SUNY Oneonta to battle the Red Dragons at 1 p.m.