Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over SUNY Canton on Sunday. After a scoreless first half, the Wildcats broke through early in the second half when Jael Casimir converted a penalty kick in the 47th minute. SUNY Poly's defense held strong the rest of the way, while goalkeeper Tyler Barth made three saves to preserve the shutout and secure the Wildcats' victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
SUNY Poly came out aggressively in the opening half, creating several early scoring opportunities. Owen Champion recorded the Wildcats' first shot just 39 seconds into the match, while Johnpaul Jerome and Nazim Harizi also registered attempts during the opening 15 minutes. In the 15th minute, Casimir put a shot on goal that was saved by Canton goalkeeper Braydn Bovee.
The Wildcats continued to control possession and generate chances throughout the half. Champion forced another save in the 23rd minute, while Casimir recorded another shot on target in the 27th minute. Marcus Cole nearly broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when his shot struck the right woodwork. SUNY Poly continued to pressure the Canton defense late in the half, but the two teams entered halftime scoreless.
SUNY Poly wasted little time finding the breakthrough after halftime. In the 47th minute, Casimir stepped to the penalty spot and calmly converted the penalty kick, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.
The Wildcats continued to create opportunities following the goal, with Jerome and Marcus Cole recording shots before Elijah North came close to doubling the advantage when his attempt struck the left woodwork in the 61st minute. SUNY Poly's defense also remained organized as Canton looked for an equalizer.
Barth came up with an important save in the 65th minute, stopping a shot from Demetrius Blake Jr. to keep the Wildcats in front. SUNY Poly goalkeeper Bovee also made saves on attempts from Jerome and Jace James later in the half as the Wildcats continued to press for a second goal.
Canton pushed forward in the final 20 minutes, but SUNY Poly's defense held firm. Barth made another key save in the 89th minute on a shot from Blake Jr., preserving the Wildcats' one-goal advantage. SUNY Poly held on through the final whistle to secure the 1-0 victory and a clean sheet.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats will return to action on Wednesday, September 9, when they travel to face Union College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
