November 6, 2024

Men's Soccer Pulls Off Thriller Over New Paltz To Advance To SUNYAC Championship Game

New Paltz

9-8-2, 5-3-1

Buffalo State

14-1-3, 7-1-1

Final

New Paltz (9-8-2, 5-3-1)

Buffalo State (14-1-3, 7-1-1)

Buffalo State Sports Information Department

BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo State men's soccer team pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over the New Platz Hawks in the SUNYAC Semifinals on Coyer Field this afternoon. The Bengals have advanced to their first SUNYAC Championship Game since 1984.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Buffalo State – 2, New Paltz – 1
LOCATION: Coyer Field – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: Buffalo State: 15-1-3 (7-1-1 SUNYAC), New Paltz: 9-8-2 (5-3-1 SUNYAC)

INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE

Diego Rivera (East Meadow, NY/Cairo Durham) and Sam Gregson (Anglesey, Wales/Ysgol David Hughes) each scored for the Bengals.
Manu Prieto (Cascais, Portugal/Salesianos do Estoril) picked up an assist on each goal.
Shae Wirt (Overland Park, KS/St. Thomas Aquinas) made eight saves for the Bengals.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both sides were in a stalemate the entire first half. New Paltz had a key opportunity late in the half, but the shot hit off the top of the crossbar.
The start of the second half was much of the same and both sides played tough defense and could not gain any offensive momentum.
After each side exchanged yellow cards, the Bengals got an opportunity late in the half.
Prieto sailed the corner kick right in front of the net as Rivera was able to head the ball into the net past the Hawks goalie.
New Paltz got back into the action shortly after sneaking a shot behind Wirt to even the score at 1-1.
With just over two minutes to go, Prieto sailed a free kick opportunity right in front of the net that Gregson was able to tap in to give the Bengals a late 2-1 lead.
Buffalo State was able to hold strong for the final seconds to secure a second consecutive postseason win against New Paltz.
Overall, New Paltz outshot the Bengals 15-12 while Buffalo State had five corner kicks compared to the Hawks one.

FOR THE FOES

Alex Wyant scored the lone goal for New Paltz while Lizama picked up the assist.
Christian Micheli and Matt Katz combined for three saves in goal for the Hawks.

UP NEXT
The Bengals will host the SUNYAC Championship on Saturday at 4:00 pm against the winner of Oneonta vs. Cortland.