POTSDAM, N.Y.--- The SUNY Potsdam men's soccer team (1-0) defeated the SUNY Delhi Broncos (0-1) in its season opener at the Maxcy Turf Field on Friday afternoon. Senior forward Alejandro Callejas (Bayshore, N.Y./Brentwood) led the Bears with two goals. Senior captain Jeffrey Schulz (East Moriches, N.Y./Westhampton Beach) also scored. The Bears started the 2019 season with two goals in the first 5:09 and the defense slammed the door. The Broncos had their opportunities in the first and late in the second half, but the Bears were able to keep them at bay for their first win of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Conor Callan (Piermont, N.Y./Tappan Zee) claimed his first career win and shutout with five saves.

The home team got off to a hot start in the early minutes, Schulz scored a goal from the right side 2:08 into the season, assisted by junior forward Justin Crovetto (Highland Mills, N.Y./Monroe-Woodbury) who send a perfect cross across the box. Callejas followed it up for the Bears with his first goal after catching a pass in stride from senior forward Teddy Bruschini (Wilton, N.Y./South Glens Falls) and beating off balance senior Broncos goalkeeper Corey O' Toole (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie) at 5:09. The Broncos nearly cut into the 2-0 deficit a little over midway of the first period after sophomore midfielder Juan Velez (Peekskill, N.Y. / Peekskill) kicked the ball just wide left after picking it up in transition. Minutes later, Velez nearly scored again when he got past his defender and sent the ball to the center of the goal, but it was right into the arms of Callan.
 
Callejas connected on his second goal of the match at the 57:43 mark. He received a pass at midfield, and went coast to coast through three Bronco defenders. Callejas then sent the ball over O' Toole as he charged out to save it and slipped. Neither team's defense gave up much in the midway stage of the second half. Delhi got its best opportunity of the afternoon with six minutes remaining in the contest. Freshman midfielder Denzel Monexant (Ossining, N.Y./Archbishop Stephinac) nearly gained control of the ball inside after a pass from a teammate, but Callan was there to deflect it. It was the Broncos last opportunity to build momentum and the Bears secured the win.

O' Toole saved four shots in the contest for Delhi. The two teams were even in shots (11), with Potsdam having a slight advantage in corner kicks (6-5)

The Bears return to action tomorrow at 12 p.m. as they host Paul Smith's College. Potsdam is 6-0 all-time against the Bobcats.