NEW PALTZ — The tandem of Chris Whitmore and Aaron Ruta were the difference as Fredonia topped New Paltz, 2-0, in a very even men’s soccer match at Alumni Field on Friday afternoon.
Whitmore and Ruta each had a goal and an assist in the game to lead the (6-2-0, 2-1-0) Blue Devils past a very competitive New Paltz team, which was edged on shots 12-8.
Fredonia, ranked fifth in this week’s NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Region poll, thwarted the Hawks nearly equal scoring opportunities, with Blue Devil goalkeeper Chris Case needing to save just one shot to record the shutout win. Counterpart Kevin Smith stopped five shots for New Paltz, which falls to 1-8-2 (1-3-1 SUNYAC) with the loss.
New Paltz returns to Alumni Field to face Buffalo State tomorrow at 1 p.m.
COLLEGIATE MEN’S SOCCER
Fredonia 2, New Paltz 0
Fredonia 1 1 — 2
New Paltz 0 0 — 0
1st Half: F – Chris Whitmore (Aaron Ruta) 17:34.
2nd Half: F – Aaron Ruta (Chris Whitmore) 48:16.
Shots on Goal: F 12, NP 8.
Corner Kicks: F 5, NP 2.
Goalie Saves: F (Chris Case) 1, NP (Kevin Smith) 5.
Team Records: Fredonia 6-2-0 overall, 2-1-0 SUNYAC. New Paltz 1-8-2 overall, 1-3-1 SUNYAC.
