PATCHOGUE, N.Y.—St. Joseph's University (Long Island) (2-1) defeated the SUNY Potsdam men's soccer team (2-1) 3-1 on Saturday afternoon in the programs' first ever meeting. Junior forward Anderson Velasquez (Bronx, N.Y./Marble Hill) scored his first goal as a Bear with an assist from sophomore midfielder Zach Cunningham (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills East).
 
Potsdam outshot the Golden Eagles 11-3 in the first half, but five saves from St. Joseph's goalie Josh Lehr keep his team even. Bears freshman goalie Evan Jacobs (Binghamton, N.Y./Chenango Forks) stopped the only shot that came his way and the teams were even at the break.
 
St. Joe's got on the board just 2:21 into the second half, as Vincent Mariani opened the scoring. Velasquez answered just 13 seconds later and the Bears were tied. However, Sean Gordon struck at 52:14 to put the Golden Eagles up for good. Three minutes later, freshman Ian Schwartz (Amsterdam, N.Y./Broadalbin-Perth) relieved Evans for his collegiate debut. St. Joe's added an insurance marker at 66:21 off the foot of Anthony Guzzone to close the scoring.
 
The Bears finished with a 23-13 advantage in shots and a 6-5 edge in corner kicks. Evans allowed two goals and made one save in the first 55:54 and Schwartz allowed a goal an made three stops. Lehr stopped eight shots for the win.
 
The Bears head to Maritime tomorrow for a 1:30 contest before they return to host St. Lawrence University on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in their home opener.