After a disappointing 1-2 start to the season, the men’s soccer team went undefeated this past weekend in Utica, New York, defeating Cobleskill on Saturday, Sept. 9 by a final score of 4-1 and Utica on Sunday, Sept. 10 by a final score of 4-0. The Hawks three-game winning streak was snapped on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in a home match against Vassar where the team lost 3-2.
The Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals from first-year midfielder Kevin Doorley and fourth-year midfielder Aleco Podias within the first 26 minutes of the match. The Hawks took the lead into the second half of the match until second-year Vassar forward Mattie Mrlik scored twice in the 53rd and 58th minute respectively. The Brewers eventually took the lead with a goal in the 76th minute from second-year defender Henrik Olsson. The Hawks were outshot in the contest by a 16-9 margain.
After giving up a goal within the first eight minutes in the game, the Hawks went on to score four unanswered goals to get the win against Cobleskill. The Hawks goals were scored by fourth-year forward Joe Mausler, second-year defender Thomas Preece and first-year midfielders Adam Romanski and Ryan Martinez.
Head coach Kyle Clancy was encouraged by the first-year players contributions to the two victories this past weekend.
“It’s nice to see the young players making an impact early on in the season,” Clancy said. “They have mixed in well with the upperclassmen so far and their confidence is starting to build.”
In the match against Utica, the Hawks outshot their opponent 30-3. Four of the shots by the Hawks found the back of the net as second-year forward Luke Dole scored twice, while first-year players Luis Tinoco and Kevin Doorley added to the scoring. Goalkeepers Declan Costello and John Guzzo both contributed to the shutout victory by sharing net duties as they each recorded one save.
Even with the two losses to kick off the season, Clancy was not discouraged by the team’s play.
“We played two very good teams in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Union College to start the season, we didn’t defend and generate enough chances in those games like we did in our games this past weekend,” Clancy said.
After reaching the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) tournament last season for the first time since 2012, Clancy noted how the team showed its dedication in the summer that they want to advance further than they did at the end of last season.
“Obviously we would like to win some playoff games this season, but it would be a great accomplishment if we are able to host a home playoff game for the first time in quite some time,” Clancy said.
The Hawks haven’t hosted a home playoff game since 2004, when they defeated Buffalo State in a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament game.
Up next for the Hawks is a home match against King’s College on Saturday, Sept. 16.