Utica, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly men's soccer team fell 1-0 in a gritty battle against Union College. Despite a standout performance from goalkeeper Tyler Barth, who recorded five saves, an early goal from Union's Lucas Montalto proved to be the difference. The Wildcats are now 2-3 on the season. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

Union came out aggressive, forcing Barth into action just four minutes in when he denied Justin Ely's shot aimed at the top of the net. Union maintained the early momentum and found the breakthrough in the 10th minute, when Lucas Montalto slotted home a finish off a feed from Declan Crowley, giving the Garnet Chargers a 1-0 advantage.

SUNY Poly worked to respond, with JohnPaul Jerome firing a shot just wide in the 16th minute. Moments later, Dominick Spychalski tested Union goalkeeper Dmitri Wild-Arons with a low strike in the 19th, but the effort was saved.

Union continued to press, and Barth stood tall with key saves, including an effort from Crowley in the 28th and a powerful strike from Julian Badger in the 44th to keep the Wildcats within striking distance heading into the break.

The physicality picked up in the second half, with both teams exchanging fouls and cards as the midfield battle intensified. SUNY Poly struggled to create clear-cut chances, though they managed a few efforts, including a shot from Gavin Barth in the 82nd minute that drifted wide right.

Union pushed for a second goal but was continually frustrated by Barth, who came up with back-to-back saves in the 88th minute, first denying Gavin Blake's low effort and then tipping a high shot from Badger over the bar to keep the match within reach.

Despite a late flurry of substitutions and a final push from the Wildcats, Union's defense held strong, and SUNY Poly was unable to find an equalizer.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats will be back on home turf for a battle with the Mount Saint Mary College Knights on September 13th at 1:00 P.M.