Box Score
POTSDAM, N.Y.—New Paltz (9-4-1, 4-2 SUNYAC) used an early and a late goal to defeat the SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (3-7-2, 0-5) 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Senior defender Shannon Cobb and freshman midfielder Eleni Anselmi each scored for the Hawks.

New Paltz struck just over five minutes into the game, as junior forward Shelby Kondelka (Bloomingburg, N.Y./Pine Bush) set up Cobb for the contest's first score. Both defenses took over for the remainder of the half. The Bears best opportunity came in the 19th minute. Potsdam sent a long ball ahead into a crowd at the top of the Hawk's box. Bears junior forward Heather Johnson knocked the ball down and fired it toward the top of the net, but New Paltz sophomore goalie Stephanie Vega snatched it out of the air. The Hawks carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.

Under three minutes into the second half New Paltz junior midfielder Beth Bowling hit the right post on a shot from right in front of Potsdam's goal. The Hawks created a few more chances to extend their lead, but the strong play of Bears senior goalkeeper Dedra Palmer kept the advantage to one. The Bears were unable to generate much in the way of scoring chances and in the 89th minute, Kondelka fed Anselmi for the match's final tally.

Palmer made six saves for Potsdam and Vega finished with two stops.

“It's disappointing to give up a goal in the first five minutes and the last two minutes,” said Bears Head Coach Mark Misiak. “I felt that the early goal they scored dictated play and kind of set us back on our heels. We talked about coming out strong and setting the tempo for the game, but the goal shattered those plans and unfortunately we found ourselves chasing the game. You make your own breaks, but this season nothing has really come easy for us.”

Potsdam is back in action on Oct. 14-15, when the Bears travel to Western New York to face Buffalo St. and Fredonia. Potsdam battles the Bengals on Friday at 4 p.m. and the Blue Devils on Saturday at 1 p.m.