Men’s Soccer Splits Weekend

NEW PALTZ — The New Paltz Men’s Soccer Team came out of this weekend with a win and a loss against Oswego and Cortland. The Hawks’ record now sits at 3-5 in the SUNYAC and 4-7 overall.

Against Oswego, New Paltz started the game strong scoring eleven minutes in on a goal from John D’Eredita (Lagrange, NY). Mario Lavacca (Port Washington, NY) started the play drawing two defenders and setting up D’Eredita on a nice pass from just inside the eighteen-yard box. With five minutes left in the half midfielder Tim Van Wyen (Sayville, NY) broke down the sideline and set up forward Brian Hanley (Highland, NY) right in front of the goal for a 2-0 lead that stood up the rest of the way. Goalkeeper Kevin Smith (Niskayuna, NY) made 3 saves his first shutout victory of the season.

Against Cortland, Chad Becker headed in a cross with 1:41 left in the game to sink the Hawks’ upset bid. Cortland took the lead in the middle of the first half when Kevin Russell scored on a breakaway after a questionable onsides call. New Paltz evened things with under five minutes to play in the first session on an unassisted goal from Freshman Matt Daum (New Paltz, NY). The two squads traded chances for the rest of the match until Becker’s game- winner. New Paltz was outshot, 20-10 in the match and Smith made 18 saves for the Hawks.