Box Score MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNYIT Men's Soccer Team (8-7-1, 6-3-1 NEAC) laid to rest any fears about the postseason on Saturday with a convincing 3-1 win over Keuka. With the win the Wildcats solidified their hold on fourth place in the conference, as they have the tiebreaker over Penn St.-Harrisburg after defeating the Nittany Lions last month 2-0.
Matthew Wilday (Broadalbin, N.Y. / Galway) had a huge day for the 'Cats, both scoring and assisting. The sophomore's goal, which came in the 56th minute, was a booming 30-yarder that ripped the net at the top-left corner of the box. The score gave SUNYIT a 2-0 lead, which would be all they'd need as the Wildcats held Keuka to one goal the rest of the way.
Also scoring for the Wildcats were freshman Luke Bogar (New Hartford, N.Y. / New Hartford) – a spectacular header off a Kurreem Williams (Mt. Vernon, N.Y. / TCI) pass in the 13th minute – and Matt Arcidiacono (Oneonta, N.Y. / Oneonta) who hit the top-shelf on an assist from Wilday.
The Wildcats' stingy defense was aided as always by keeper and last year's conference player of the year Malick Faye (Bronx, N.Y. / MLK). Faye had four saves on the night, but at least three were of the highlight-reel variety. Chief among them was a stop in the first half, when he blocked a point-black shot from Keuka forward John Mastrella. Mastrella booted one on the ground to Faye's right. The 6-3 goalie had guessed left, but as he fell to the ground stuck out his foot for a sensational kick save.
The Wildcats will now await official seeding for the NEAC Tournament. Stay tuned to the Wildcat website for details.
