Box Score New Paltz, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team started slow against visiting SUNY Geneseo Saturday, which resulted in an early one goal deficit that changed the momentum of the game from then on.

Although the Hawks (4-7 overall, 0-4 SUNAYC) fought hard to keep the match within one, they struggled to put away the equalizer, ultimately resulting in their fourth consecutive conference loss following a 2-0 defeat.

"I think it was a combination of things," said Hawks coach Kyle Clancy. "We were a little flat. We weren't able to possess and build out of the back well. They put us under a lot of pressure."

The Knights' (5-4-1 overall, 2-2 SUNYAC) first goal came just five minutes into the game. They earned a free kick about 30 yards out, close to the near sideline. Joey Vucic stepped up and put in a low swinging ball toward the near post, which found Greg Baumstein who got just enough of the ball to deflect it past SUNY New Paltz goalkeeper John

Guzzo (four saves).

Geneseo controlled the game from that point forward. They held possession for most of the first half and totaled 14 chances on net, putting SUNY New Paltz on its heels. The Knights out-shot the Hawks 14-8 in the game, with each team registering six shots on frame.

"It's always a tough place to play when you come here and I thought the key was just to be the first to react to the first and second balls," said Knights coach Dominic Oliveri. "I thought we were the first to react to the majority of that today."

SUNY New Paltz adjusted defensively on set pieces following the early score. Geneseo earned four free kicks and two corners in its offensive half, but the Hawks did well in limiting open looks on goal.

"We got a head on a few… we're winning the first ball but we're clearing it right to feet, up the middle. The direction of the clearance needs to be better too, to not put us under so much pressure," Clancy said. "There were some positives, but definitely work to be done to be better."

SUNY New Paltz kept battling, and created numerous opportunities to knot up the score.

With 12 minutes left in the first half, Luke Dole found himself 1-v-1 with Knights goalkeeper Dillon Medd (six saves) down the far side of the box, but Medd made the save and Geneseo's defense was there to clear the rebound.

Three minutes before the halftime whistle sounded, Ben Zilka earned a free kick for the Hawks just outside the 18-yard box. Coltan Goodwine stepped up to put a good looking shot heading for the bottom corner of goal, but Medd was there again and made the diving stop.

In the second half, Aleco Podias found some space about 40-yards out and rocketed a shot toward the top right corner of goal. He was inches away from a game-tying highlight play, but missed just high.

"Goalkeeper's especially, they love their shut outs," Oliveri said. "I thought it was important for him to keep the shut out. He had a couple really good saves for us today and during the one-goal game kept us ahead, so it was important."

With the Hawks pressing numbers forward it left them vulnerable to a counter attack. Guzzo came up with a few nice breakaway saves, but the Knights finally broke through in the 72^nd minute.

Nick Keneally received the ball atop of the box, turned and fired a shot that ricocheted off the far post, and Vucic was there to knock in the rebound.

"It was a huge win," Oliveri said. "We talked about how it was not a do or die, but pretty close. I thought we played extremely well. The first half especially with the wind, I wish we took advantage a little further out a couple more times in the first half, but overall I was really happy with their performance."

SUNY New Paltz has a week off before its back on the field to host SUNY Potsdam and Plattsburgh State Oct. 6 and 7, respectively.

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