MARCY, N.Y. – Keuka Wolfpack (8-2-1, 4-1-1 NEAC) senior Austin Gerber netted a hat-trick for his nation-leading 16th goal on Saturday, helping the visitors to a 3-1 defeat of the Wildcats (4-5-2, 3-2-1 NEAC).
The Wildcats out shot the Wolfpack 10 to 2 in the first half and appeared to be in control. Matt Arcidiacono (Oneonta, N.Y. / Oneonta) made a great shot with 9 minutes to go in the half that was only saved due to a full-extension dive by Keuka keeper Preston Vick. Kafou Doumbia (Bronx, N.Y. / Marble Hill) also had a good try in the half that was saved by Vick.
Things would change in an instant for the Wildcats in the second half, however. Less than three minutes into the period, Gerber netted his first goal on an assist from Romeo Katanga. Katanga's up-field pass lured Wildcat keeper Mingoro Fanny (Bronx, N.Y. / B.E.T.A) way out of the net, but Gerber swooped in at the last second to steal the ball away, resulting in a wide-open net and an easy score.
Just minutes later Gerber found himself in another breakaway opportunity. This time he slowed down and gathered the ball, holding off a Wildcat defender to his right before lacing a curving shot with his left-foot to the far post, banking it in for his second goal.
Gerber wasn't done, as in the 53rd minute he received a Paulin Kolodja pass on the right side before converting another strike from just inside the penalty box.
All told, Gerber's hat-trick took less than 5 minutes of clock-time, with his first goal coming at the 47:57 mark and his final goal coming at the 52:46 mark. The three goals boosted the senior's season total to 16, which is currently tops in the nation for Division III.
The early portion of the second half remained action-packed as less than four minutes later Ben Toach (New Hartford, N.Y. / New Hartford) gave the Wildcats some life. The senior, who had narrowly missed on a free kick during a Wildcat set-piece earlier in the game, redeemed himself with another free kick opportunity. At the 56:32 mark, the Wildcat lefty let fly a one-bouncer to the right corner of the goal, beating the diving Keuka keeper. Toach smartly took advantage of a disorganized Wolfpack, who hadn't yet set up their wall when Toach's shot rifled through.
From there, however, the Wildcats were unable to muster many more opportunities, and the Wolfpack hung on for a 3-1 win.
SUNY Poly will remain at home for their next contest, a Tuesday night matchup with MCLA. Game time is slated for 6:00 pm.