Newburgh, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team earned a 3-2 victory over Mount Saint Mary College on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats built a three-goal lead through the opening 60 minutes before the Knights scored twice in the final 13 minutes to make things interesting. Marcus Cole, Jael Casimir and Jace James each scored for SUNY Poly, while Marcus Duncan made several key saves in goal to help preserve the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Wildcats created several scoring opportunities early, with Nick Pepe forcing a save from Mount Saint Mary goalkeeper Landon Mabe in the eighth minute. SUNY Poly continued to generate pressure, with Jael Casimir and Pepe each recording additional shots during the opening 15 minutes. Duncan also made his first save of the afternoon in the 23rd minute, denying Alex Napoli.
SUNY Poly broke through in the 37th minute when Marcus Cole found the back of the net at 36:13 to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. SUNY Poly continued to pressure the Knights late in the half, with Jace James forcing a save from Mabe in the 40th minute. Mount Saint Mary nearly responded moments later, but Napoli's shot hit the woodwork as the Wildcats carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
The Wildcats added to their lead early in the second half when Casimir scored at 54:12 off an assist from Johnpaul Jerome to make it 2-0. SUNY Poly continued to control the momentum, and James extended the Wildcats' advantage to 3-0 in the 61st minute with an assist from Lucas Russell.
Mount Saint Mary looked to respond, but Duncan continued to keep the Knights off the scoreboard, making a save on Isaac Vargas in the 73rd minute. SUNY Poly also continued to create chances, with Colby Diamond, Marcus Cole and Elijah North each recording shots during the second half.
The Knights finally broke through in the 78th minute when Vargas scored off an assist from TJ Mark to cut the SUNY Poly lead to 3-1. Mount Saint Mary continued to apply pressure in the closing minutes, but Duncan and the Wildcats' defense worked to preserve the two-goal advantage.
Mount Saint Mary scored again in the 88th minute when Mark found the back of the net to make it 3-2. The Knights continued to push during the final minutes, but SUNY Poly held strong to secure the 3-2 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, September 16, when they travel to MCLA. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
