UTICA, N.Y. – The SUNYIT Men's Soccer Team went on the road to an always-hostile environment at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium Wednesday night and came away with a 1-0 upset of crosstown rival Utica. It was the first time the Wildcats had defeated the Pioneers since 2006, and just the 3rd SUNYIT victory overall in 19 match-ups since 1999.
"It wasn't easy," said SUNYIT Coach Peterson Jerome, "but the guys buckled down and got the job done."
For the second straight game, SUNYIT star Diego Montaleza (New York, N.Y. / MLK) netted a free kick, with Wednesday's coming at the 83:34 mark from 25 yards out. It would prove to be the difference-maker as SUNYIT was out shot 13 to 3 on the day.
The goal caps off an incredible run by Montaleza to start the season, as the senior midfielder has now scored 5 of SUNYIT's first 6 goals this season, with the Wildcats improving to 2-0-1 to start the year.
"Our defense came up big," said Jerome "the first half we went out with a very defensive lineup, and then the second half the kids started to get a feel for the game and we went out with a more offensive lineup and were able to control the midfield a little more."
Added Jerome "Utica has a great team, they're going to win a lot of games in conference this year. I told our kids to enjoy this, let it soak in, but we got a big one this weekend as the second season starts."
That "second season" Jerome is referring to is the NEAC conference schedule, which begins this Saturday as the Wildcats travel to Keuka for their first in-conference match up. Game time is set for 1:00 pm.