After five games played, the Hawks are undefeated.
Over the weekend, the Hawks faced two nonconference teams in the Vassar Tournament, which featured a 5-0 shutout against Elms College and a 1-1 tie against William Paterson University. Five different goal scorers found the back of the net for the Hawks throughout the tournament.
“I’m really liking the amount of different guys that can step up and put a ball away,” Hawks head coach Kyle Clancy said. “We’ll take contributions from anybody at this point, no matter the year, no matter the position.”
On Saturday, multiple shots on goal and chances accounted for five goals as the Hawks shutout Elms College. Fourth-year midfielder Charlie Versen opened the Hawks scoring with a converted penalty kick in the 10th minute. Fourth-year forward Tucker Stern put home a pass from third-year defender Matt Carr four minutes later. Fourth-year midfielder Sam Spring notched his first career multiple-goal game, tallying a rebound goal in the 31st minute and later netting the Hawks’ fifth and final goal of the match on a free kick in the 59th minute.
Additionally, first-year midfielder and defender Coltan Goodwine headed home a corner kick from second-year midfielder Manny Flory to register his first career goal during the 52nd minute.
The following day, Hawks’ third-year midfielder Ben Zilka tipped-in a pass from third-year midfielder Aleco Podias in the 27th minute to tally the first goal of his collegeiate career. Additionally, Zilka led the team in shots with four. Panthers’ first-year midfielder and back Keysean Brant-Sharp would score the equalizer in the 66th minute.
In five games played, the Hawks have only allowed two goals. Clancy said he was pleased with the team’s continued progress on the defensive side of the ball. Individually, the Hawks still have some work to do with one-on-one defense, he said.
Clancy added that starting the season with a zero in the loss column could lead to overconfidence as a team both on and off the pitch. Before Sunday’s game against William Paterson, Clancy said the team had a talk regarding staying focused and keeping composure.
“I think that’s my only worry,” Clancy said. “But I want them to be confident heading into games, and I think that starting off the season so well definitely helps.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the Hawks finished with a 0-0 tie against Vassar College in a nonconference game. As a team, the Hawks recorded 13 shots. Hawks third-year goalkeeper John Guzzo made five saves in the scoreless match. The Brewers nearly netted a goal in the 42nd minute with a penalty kick that hit the post.
The Hawks (3-0-3) will play their home opener against Bard College on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m on South Turf Field.
