MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNY Polytechnic Men's Soccer Team (5-7-2, 3-2-1 NEAC) caught a bad beat at the hands of the Union College Dutchmen (6-7-1) Tuesday night, dropping the nonconference tilt 2 to 1. The Dutchmen scored in the 83rd minute to break a 1-1 tie and held on for the victory.
The Wildcats struck first on an amazing goal by Luke Bogar (New Hartford, N.Y. / New Hartford), who headed home a free kick by Ben Toach (New Hartford, N.Y. / New Hartford) that traveled nearly half the field.
The Wildcats retained the lead for several minutes thanks in part to a great save by Jesse Yanarella (Wappingers Falls, N.Y./ Ketchum) on a Dutchmen free kick from just outside the penalty box. The ball was headed for the upper-ninety when a leaping Yanarella was able to get a hand on it and tip it just over the crossbar. The Wildcats then cleared the ensuing corner kick to preserve their 1-0 lead.
Unfortunately for the home team their lead would vanish anyway minutes later. On a strange play in which both teams appeared to be expecting a whistle for an injured player down at the other end of the field, Carl Faber took advantage for the Dutchmen, dribbling through the expectant Wildcat defense and chipping the ball past Yanarella and off the post for the equalizer (35:31).
The teams would go into the half tied at 1-1.
In the second half both teams had a number of chances, but it was Union breaking through with the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute, as Ethan Strauss connected on an unassisted strike.
Bogar would have a decent opportunity minutes later on a breakaway, but the high-arching pass took a big bounce on him and caused his subsequent shot attempt to sail far over the goal.
The two teams were even on the game in shot attempts with 13 apiece, while Yanarella recorded 5 saves to Dutchmen keeper Ryan Carter's 3.
The Wildcats embark on a three-game road trip next, traveling first to Lancaster Bible College this Saturday, October 18th. Game time is scheduled for 3:15 pm.
