Box Score
Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y.—SUNY New Paltz (6-7-1, 2-3-1 SUNYAC) jumped out to a 2-0 first half lead, but the SUNY Potsdam men's soccer team (6-5-2, 3-1-1) rallied for three goals to earn the 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon. Junior defender Vic Colasacco scored the game-winning goal with just 52 seconds left. The win puts the Bears in sole possession of third place in the conference.

Things didn't look so bright for Potsdam early on. At the 15 minute mark of the first half, New Paltz's Michael Santelesa drove home a loose ball for a 1-0 lead. Almost nine minutes later Harrison Lane doubled the advantage with a shot from the front of the box.

At halftime Potsdam Head Coach Adam Parker made some adjustments.

“We were struggling, so at the break we change to 4-3-3 formation,” said Parker. “Fortunately we scored early in the second half, changed the momentum, and put them on their heels.”

The Bears closed to 2-1 just 1:14 into the second period. Senior defender Chris Mack found senior midfielder A.J. Ramirez in a crowd and Ramirez hammered the ball home. Play opened up for both teams in the middle of the half, but Potsdam regained the edge in the 61st minute. Freshman forward Stephen Auyer picked up a deflection 18 yards out from the Hawk's goal and beat New Paltz goalie Conor Power to his left to knot the score at 2-2. The Bears continued to harry the Hawks and earned a corner kick with about a minute remaining. Freshman forward Eduardo Figueroa launched the corner into the box and Colasacco headed the ball into the net at the 89:08 mark.

Potsdam junior goalkeeper Joe Glackin made seven saves for his fifth win of the season. Power made four saves for New Paltz.

Parker was thrilled with his team's effort and the outcome.

“To be on the road and come from behind to get this win is awesome,” added Parker. “We had a rough game yesterday and the guys could have quit, but they kept competing. It's another big step forward for the program.”

Parker was especially pleased with two Bears.

“Stephen Auyer had been struggling, but he created the first goal today and scored the second. I'm really proud of him. Also Conor Engle really stabilized things on defense. He played extremely well.”

The Bears continue their playoff quest at home on Oct. 14-15. Potsdam hosts Buffalo State at 4 p.m. on Friday and Fredonia State at 1 p.m. on Saturday.