Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team fell 2-0 to Nazareth University on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Flyers scored twice in the opening 18 minutes to establish an early advantage. The Wildcats looked to respond throughout the match, creating several opportunities in the first half before continuing to battle in the second. SUNY Poly goalkeeper Tyler Barth made several saves after entering at halftime, but Nazareth maintained its lead to secure the shutout victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Nazareth looked to establish its attack early, recording its first shot in the fifth minute before testing SUNY Poly goalkeeper Marcus Duncan in the 11th minute. Duncan made a save on Cash Rosado's attempt, but the Golden Flyers struck moments later when Rosado found the back of the net to give Nazareth a 1-0 lead.
The Golden Flyers extended their advantage in the 18th minute when Joey Weaver scored off assists from Zyir VanScoy and Jack Lannon, putting Nazareth ahead 2-0. SUNY Poly looked to regroup and settle into its attack as the Wildcats worked to create opportunities and cut into the deficit.
Poly began generating offensive chances midway through the first half, with Jael Casimir recording a shot in the 23rd minute. The Wildcats continued to earn corner kicks and apply pressure, looking to find an opening against the Nazareth defense.
The Wildcats created another opportunity in the 34th minute when Johnpaul Jerome and Casimir each recorded a shot during a stretch of offensive pressure. Nazareth goalkeeper Bryan Tirado and the Golden Flyers' defense kept Poly off the scoreboard as the visitors carried their two-goal advantage into halftime.
SUNY Poly continued to compete in the second half, with Jerome putting a shot on target in the 49th minute. Tirado made the save to preserve Nazareth's lead. The Golden Flyers responded with several attempts of their own, but Barth entered the match early in the half and made a save on Weaver's shot in the 55th minute.
Nazareth continued to threaten throughout the second half, with Weaver and Mason Stanco creating additional scoring opportunities. Barth remained active in goal, making saves on attempts from Pascal Pascia in the 74th and 77th minutes to keep the Wildcats within striking distance.
Poly looked for an opportunity to get back into the match late in the second half, with Casimir recording another shot in the 79th minute. Barth continued to keep the Golden Flyers from adding to their lead, making additional saves on attempts from Weaver and Stanco in the closing minutes. Despite the Wildcats' efforts, Nazareth maintained its defensive pressure and held on for the 2-0 victory.
