MSMC Blue Knights Upended by SUNY Poly

NEWBURGH – The Mount Saint Mary College men’s soccer team lost its first match of the season in a battle of the undefeated with SUNY Poly.

Score: Mount Saint Mary College 1, SUNY Poly 6
Coming into the game, this was a highly anticipated match between two undefeated teams looking to make a statement. The start of the match saw the ball spend most of its time in the midfield as both teams were feeling each other’s game plans out. The Wildcats emphasized a press to not allow the Knights any time to work the ball up the field. After making five subs in the 30th minute, SUNY Poly notched the first goal of the game from point-blank range. That would be the only shot on goal in the first 45 minutes as Mount Saint Mary entered the half down 1-0.

In the second half of play, the Wildcats executed very well, scoring six minutes in. Things would start to get a little too physical for the referee’s liking as five total yellow cards would be handed out during the match. One of the cards was given after a dangerous tackle from one of the SUNY Poly players just outside their own box. J.C. Gutierrez would line up a gorgeous strike on the free kick around the wall to the bottom left corner to make the game 2-1 and give the Knights some hope. Goalie Caesar Martinez would make a couple of astounding saves including a penalty kick stop, but the Wildcats cleaned up the rebound to answer back. SUNY Poly would tack on three more goals in the remaining 25 minutes of play to win by the final of 6-1.