SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The SUNYIT men's soccer team fell Saturday, 1-0 to powerhouse Western New England College (18-3-1). The Wildcats lost for the first time in over a month, bringing their season to an end in the first round of the DIII NCAA Championship.
#19 Western New England (18-3-1) will advance to face #2 St. Lawrence (17-0-1) at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 13) at Suprenant Field in the second round.
Sophomore forward Jake Bartnik (East Longmedow, MA) scored the game-winning goal in the 27th minute, scoring as he dribbled around the keeper to finish on a tremendous through ball from senior midfielder Shawn Fitzpatrick (Burnt Hills, NY).
Sophomore goalkeeper Malick Faye (Bronx, NY) was outstanding in defeat, however, turning away 10 shots to keep his side in the contest. The Golden Bears had the majority of chances in the contest, holding an 11-1 edge in shots on target.
WNE also enjoyed a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks. The Wildcats had their best chance to score in the 57th minute as senior forward Nico Facey (New York, NY) went in alone on goal but was met by sophomore goalkeeper Domenick Villano (Bronxville, NY).
Villano recorded the shutout, his eighth of the season, to improve his record to 16-2 between the pipes.