Hawks Fall to Manhattanville on the Road, 2-1

Sep 18, 2019

Hawks keeper Megan Tornatore makes a tremendous diving save.

By Greg Allen

PURCHASE – It appeared the State University of New York New Paltz was going to play its second overtime game of the season Saturday at Manhattanville. However, tied at one goal apiece with just more than four minutes to play, Valiants midfielder Amaya Gonzalez had different plans.

After a shot from the box was blocked, Gonzalez handled the rebound before firing and finding the back of the net for the go-ahead game-winner. The Hawks got off two shots in the final minutes that would have been equalizers had they been successful, but both attempts came up empty. With the 2-1 loss, SUNY New Paltz falls to 1-3-1 on the season.

The Valiants would have gone ahead just more than three minutes earlier if it were not for a tremendous diving save by Hawks keeper Megan Tornatore. Manhattanville midfielder Natalie Pelaez gained a step on the last Hawks defender and had just Tornatore to beat. Pelaez ripped a shot before Tornatore fully extended to her right tipping the ball out of play with her fingertips.

After a quiet first half where possession changed frequently in the midfield, the Valiants came into the second half looking to attack. And attack they did. Less than six minutes into the final half, Gonzalez received a cross from defender Ashley Hayes. Gonzalez headed the ball past Tornatore for the first goal of the game.

SUNY New Paltz struck back almost immediately when senior Alex Wild found freshman Katie Buquicchio for an open-net equalizer in the 54th minute. The goal marked Buquicchio’s third on the season.

Despite controlling possession for the remainder of the second half, the Hawks were unable to score again, while Manhattanville took advantage of its limited opportunities.

SUNY New Paltz finished the game with six of 14 shots on target and eight corner kicks. Tornatore had five saves to bring her season total up to 22.