Late Goal Lifts New Paltz Over Rensselaer, 3-2

SCHENECTADY, NY — An unassisted goal by senior Joseph Fabian (Selden, NY/ Newfield) in the 82nd minute lifted the New Paltz Hawks to a 3-2 non-conference win over Rensselaer in men’s soccer action at the Union Classic Saturday afternoon. New Paltz improves to 2-2 on the short season, while Rensselaer drops to 2-2.

New Paltz held a 1-0 lead at the half after getting on the board in the 28th minute on an own goal by Rensselaer. An errant pass from a defender rolled past Red Hawk goaltender John Thibdeau (Altamont, NY/ Bethlehem).

Rensselaer tied the game at one each in the 58th minute when sophomore Mike Henzel (Niwot, CO/ Niwot) drew out New Paltz goaltender Jeff Dudley (Poughkeepsie, NY/ Spackenkill) and shot into the right side of the empty net. Freshman Jabel Prom (Sandy Spring, MD/ Sherwood) passed up to Henzel to earn the assist on the play.

New Paltz senior Brian Siergiej (Oceanside, NY/ Oceanside) gave the Hawks the lead in the 71st minute when he carried the ball up the left side of the field and deposited the ball into the far right corner of the net.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Rensselaer sophomore Tim Wisner (Middleburgh, NY/ Middleburgh) connected on a pass from Henzel under a minute later to knot the game at 2-2.

Fabian put New Paltz up for good 10 minutes later when he sent a shot across into the right side of the net from about 15 yards out. Dudley made five saves for the win, while Thibdeau stopped two shots for Rensselaer.

New Paltz is back in action tomorrow in day two of the Union Classic. The Hawks will face Union at 12 p.m.