The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz men’s soccer team played their last pair of games this past weekend, losing 2-0 to SUNY Plattsburgh and ending in a dead heat 2-2 after going into double overtime against SUNY Potsdam.
On Oct. 25, the Hawks faced off against the Cardinals, who have one of the strongest defenses in the conference, and found themselves struggling to get points on the board, ultimately leading to their 2-0 loss.
Both teams fought hard to keep possession, but Plattsburgh dominated the ball for much of the first half, and got on the board after fourth-year forward Chris Robertson found the back of the net after an error, scoring at 21:27 and making it 1-0 Cardinals. Just 15 minutes later, the Cardinals upped the score again, with third-year defender Luke Rapaport scoring on a penalty kick, lengthening their lead 2-0. While the Hawks fought hard to earn possession and ultimately out shot the Cardinals 13-7, they struggled to reach the net, and that cost them the game.
The Hawks took to the field again Oct. 26 for their final game of the season, where they hosted Senior Day, marking the last game for fourth-year goalkeeper Declan Costello, fourth-year midfielder Gordan Walker, fourth-year defense Luke Dole, and fourth-year midfielder Coltan Goodwine.
The game got underway and the Bears were first on the scoreboard after first-year defender Raymond Jones hit a shot at 35:32. Just minutes later, third-year midfielder Kevin Doorley passed up to first-year midfielder Philip Varner, who found the net at 42:22,making it a 1-1 game. With momentum running high and a minute left in the half, Doorley scored a goal of his own, pulling the Hawks into halftime, leading 2-1. Potsdam came back from the half with energy, as fourth-year Jeffrey Schulz scored once more, tying the game at 2-2. Both teams struggled to get in another shot, and headed into double overtime before ending the game in a draw, and the end of the Hawk’s season.
Goodwine believes the end result for this season doesn’t reflect the true talent of the roster this year. He is extremely proud of everyone on the current team and that he has played with them for these years.
“It was a true pleasure to spend my four years at New Paltz. Deciding to play here was one of the best decisions I think I’ve made in my life and I am excited to see how the program progresses in the near future,” Goodwine said. “I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to play for New Paltz as it has helped me make some of my best friends and memories that I will have for the rest of my life.”
Unfortunately, this marks the end of the Hawks’ season. The men’s soccer team needed to win against SUNY Plattsburgh to be in contention for a seed and their ticket to the SUNYAC tournament, but they were sadly unable to seal the deal.
