Altadonna Secures Win over Vassar with Late Goal

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY- The SUNY New Paltz men’s soccer team defeated cross town rival Vassar College, 3-2 with a goal by Jimmy Altadonna (Massapequa) in the 87th minute.  The Hawks have won four of the last five meetings against Vassar and stay unbeaten on the season.

Freshman Nick DiPaola (Huntington) got the Hawks on the board first just a minute and eight seconds in when a failed clear by the Vassar goalkeeper, led to DiPaola chipping his shot over the goalkeeper.

The Hawks would go into the half with a 1-0 advantage despite being outshot 13-9.

In the 65th minute, Altadonna gave the Hawks the 2-0 advantage.  Tommy Garafola (Richmond Hill/St. Francis Prep) and Tommy Willoughby (Levittown/Island Trees) assisted on the play. 

Vassar would pull within one goal in the 78th minute when Harrison Freund received the pass from Alex Freund to beat the Hawks goalkeeper.

Just Six minute later, the Brewers would tie the contest when Harrison Freund’s cross found Bryan English for the header.

Altadonna would score the game winner less than two minutes later when Garafola and Lucas Natel (Mineola) found Altadonna at the back post and a wide open net for the goal.

Jake London recorded the loss in net, saving seven shots.  Vassar falls to 3-2 on the season.

Peter Carmel (Ronkonkoma/The Stony Brook School) recorded the win in net, saving 13 shots.  The Hawks improve to 4-0-1 on the season and return to the field Tuesday, September 15th against Williams College at 4:15 p.m. on the campus of Williams College.