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SUNY Polytechnic Institute

MSOC
1
MCLA TRA (0-2-0, 0-0-0)
2
Winner SUNY Poly SPI (1-1-0, 0-0-0)
MCLA TRA
(0-2-0, 0-0-0)
1
Final
2
SUNY Poly SPI
(1-1-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
MCLA TRA 0 1 1
SUNY Poly SPI 2 0 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

MSOC: Two First Half Goals Propel Wildcats to 2-1 Victory over Trailblazers

 

Utica, N.Y. — The SUNY Poly men's soccer team earned their first win of the season, defeating the MCLA Trailblazers 2-1 behind first-half goals from Nazim Harizi and Gavin Barth. The Wildcats controlled much of the match and held off a late push from the Trailblazers to improve to 1-1 on the year.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

SUNY Poly came out sharp in the opening minutes, dictating play and immediately pressing the MCLA defense. In the 3rd minute, Jael Casimir nearly opened the scoring with a shot on target, but MCLA's goalkeeper pushed it away. 

The Wildcats continued their aggressive approach, recording multiple chances early. JohnPaul Jerome fired wide in the 16th minute, followed by another attempt from Nick Pepe in the 18th. Just a few minutes later, Eric Bethmann and Nazim Harizi both got looks on goal, with Harizi drawing a foul in the box at the 25-minute mark.

Harizi stepped up and calmly buried the penalty kick to give SUNY Poly a 1-0 lead, his first goal of the season.

The momentum stayed with the Wildcats, and in the 32nd minute, they doubled their lead. Fresh substitute Gavin Barth scored off an assist from LaEh Soe, making it 2-0. It was Barth's first career collegiate goal.

MCLA tried to respond before the half, but Tyler Barth made key saves in the 22nd and 44th minutes to keep the Trailblazers off the scoreboard. SUNY Poly took a 2-0 advantage into halftime.

The Trailblazers came out stronger after the break and pulled one back in the 59th minute when Kyle Cardoso scored off a setup by Jacob Malburg, narrowing the Wildcats' lead to 2-1.

SUNY Poly regrouped and continued to create chances. Owen Champion and Marcus Cole both tested the keeper, while Casimir added two more dangerous shots in the final 20 minutes, one on target and one just wide.

The Wildcats' defense remained composed throughout the second half, limiting MCLA's chances and preserving the lead despite late pressure.

Goalkeeper Tyler Barth made four saves in total, including a key stop on Brandon Balcazar in the 71st minute to keep SUNY Poly in front.

UP NEXT: 

The Wildcats hit the road for a matchup with the SUNY Canton Kangaroos. That match is scheduled for 6:00 PM. 

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