Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over Russell Sage College on Wednesday afternoon. The Wildcats battled through a scoreless opening half before Jael Casimir broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. Russell Sage answered with a goal in the 81st minute, but Owen Champion scored with just over three minutes remaining to give the Wildcats the victory. Tyler Barth made several saves in goal to help SUNY Poly secure the road win.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Both teams traded chances early, with Barth making a save on a shot from Russell Sage's Clayton Foster in the second minute. SUNY Poly responded with shots from Johnpaul Jerome and Casimir that were saved by Russell Sage goalkeeper Mateja Milutin.
The Wildcats continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, with Jackson Beckman sending a shot wide in the 16th minute and Casimir putting another attempt wide in the 28th minute.
Russell Sage threatened late in the half, but Barth and the Wildcats' defense kept the Gators off the scoreboard as the teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
SUNY Poly came out aggressively in the second half, with Marcus Cole hitting the right post in the 49th minute before Nazim Harizi put a shot on goal that was saved by Russell Sage goalkeeper Thomas Strife.
The Wildcats continued to pressure the Gators, with Michael Sacco recording three shots between the 56th and 62nd minutes. SUNY Poly also generated chances from Beckman, Jerome and Ernest Oppong Asare.
SUNY Poly finally broke through in the 70th minute when Casimir found the back of the net to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.
Russell Sage answered in the 81st minute when Andre Trigo scored to level the match at 1-1.
The Wildcats responded just over five minutes later when Champion scored in the 87th minute off an assist from Charlie Bevevino, putting SUNY Poly back in front 2-1.
SUNY Poly's defense held firm through the final minutes, and the Wildcats held on for the 2-1 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return home on Saturday, October 10, when they host Elmira College.
