Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team dropped a tightly contested 1–0 decision at home against the St. John Fisher University Cardinals. Despite creating numerous chances and controlling stretches of play in the second half, the Wildcats were unable to find the equalizer after conceding an early goal. With the result, SUNY Poly moves to 2–9–1 on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

St. John Fisher struck quickly, netting the match's lone goal in the 3rd minute when Reese Powers finished off an early chance to give the Cardinals a 1–0 lead.

SUNY Poly responded well after the early setback, tightening up defensively and generating several looks throughout the first half. JohnPaul Jerome and Miguel Casarrubias both tested the Fisher back line midway through the period, while goalkeeper Tyler Barth made a key save in the 38th minute to keep the Wildcats within one. Late efforts from LaEh Soe and Owen Brignati forced additional work from Fisher keeper Parker Stusek, who turned away two quality shots before the break.

Poly came out strong in the second half, dominating possession and creating a flurry of opportunities. Nazim Harizi, Jael Casimir, and Marcus Cole each fired on target in a busy stretch between the 49th and 57th minutes, but Stusek continued his strong performance to preserve the lead.

The Wildcats continued to apply pressure through a series of corners in the 70th minute, highlighted by shots from Harizi and Xander Novack, but again came up just short. Soe nearly found the equalizer in the 77th minute with a low strike that was denied by Stusek's diving save.

Despite several late set pieces and a final push in the closing minutes, SUNY Poly couldn't convert its late chances, and St. John Fisher held on for the narrow 1–0 victory.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats hit the road for a matchup with the Keuka College Wolves on October 11th at 1:00 P.M.