Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to SUNY Geneseo on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats battled through a scoreless opening 38 minutes before the Knights broke through with the game's only goal late in the first half. SUNY Poly continued to compete throughout the second half, but Geneseo held on for the victory. Marcus Duncan made four saves in goal during the first half before Zack Bruder added two saves in the second half.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Both teams traded scoring opportunities during the opening 30 minutes, with Duncan making saves on attempts from Eric Carnes and Chancel Shabani to keep the match scoreless.
SUNY Poly generated several chances of its own, with Elijah North recording an early shot before Jackson Beckman and Jael Casimir each put shots toward goal. Geneseo goalkeeper Max Crothall made saves on attempts from Beckman and Casimir to keep the Wildcats off the scoreboard.
Geneseo broke through in the 39th minute when Aidan Lodie scored off an assist from Evan Zavalo, giving the Knights a 1-0 advantage.
The Wildcats looked to respond before halftime, but Geneseo maintained its one-goal lead heading into the break.
Bruder took over in goal to begin the second half and made saves on Geneseo attempts from Feranc Bagi and Eric Carnes as the Knights continued to apply pressure.
SUNY Poly continued to battle and created opportunities of its own in the second half. North recorded another shot in the 72nd minute, while Marcus Cole and Johnpaul Jerome each put shots toward goal during the final 10 minutes.
The Wildcats continued to push for the equalizer in the closing minutes, but Geneseo's defense held firm as the Knights secured the 1-0 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, September 30, when they travel to face Hartwick at 7 p.m.
