Hawks Fall in Overtime Thriller to Rutgers-Newark

NEWARK, NJ – The State University of New York New Paltz men’s soccer team mounted a furious second-half comeback in its New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament debut Saturday afternoon, erasing a two-goal deficit and finding a dramatic equalizer with just 33 seconds remaining in regulation before ultimately falling to host Rutgers-Newark, 3-2, in overtime at Frederick Douglass Field.

The fifth-seeded Hawks (10-6-2 overall) battled back from a 2-0 halftime deficit behind a goal from Bryan Lizama and a last-minute own goal by the fourth-seeded Scarlet Raiders, forcing an extra period with their season on the line. However, Rutgers-Newark’s Augusto Vieira delivered the decisive goal in the 99th minute, ending SUNY New Paltz’s inaugural NJAC campaign in the conference quarterfinals.

Rutgers-Newark established an early attacking presence, generating three shots in the opening eight minutes before the Hawks found their first opportunity in the eighth minute, as senior Kieran Weber sent an attempt wide of the target.

The Scarlet Raiders broke through in the 16th minute following a corner kick, with Chihiro Suenaga connecting with Ali Celik, who found the back of the net at the 15:36 mark to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

SUNY New Paltz looked to respond immediately, as senior captain Samuel Snider generated an opportunity less than a minute later. However, Rutgers-Newark continued to apply pressure, forcing freshman goalkeeper Austin Sheehan into his first save of the afternoon in the 18th minute on an attempt from Zahradeen Amadou.

The Hawks earned consecutive corner kicks midway through the half, but the Scarlet Raiders doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when Noah Russon connected with Ian Brown for his fourth goal of the season, putting SUNY New Paltz in a 2-0 hole.

SUNY New Paltz continued searching for an answer before the break, with Quentin Smith forcing Rutgers-Newark goalkeeper David Bejarano into a save in the 41st minute. Lizama added another attempt in the closing minute of the half, but his effort sailed high as the Hawks entered the intermission trailing by two.

The Hawks emerged from halftime with renewed urgency, generating consecutive corner kicks and attempts from Chase Marshall and Ryan Zindler in the opening five minutes of the second period.

SUNY New Paltz earned a crucial opportunity to cut into the deficit in the 55th minute after being awarded a penalty kick. Brandon Dhanoolal stepped to the spot, but his attempt failed to find the back of the net, keeping the Scarlet Raiders ahead, 2-0.

Despite the missed opportunity, the Hawks continued to dictate the pace of play. Zindler and Dhanoolal each generated attempts before Leo Steiner sent another effort narrowly off target in the 61st minute.

SUNY New Paltz finally broke through in the 68th minute when Owen Joyce connected with Lizama, who buried his fourth goal of the season at the 67:47 mark to cut the deficit in half, 2-1.

The Hawks continued pressing for the equalizer, with Zindler generating another opportunity just over two minutes later. Cody Hamilton followed with an attempt in the 77th minute as SUNY New Paltz maintained its offensive pressure deep into the second half.

With time running out, the Hawks pushed numbers forward in search of one final opportunity. Hamilton and Weber each registered attempts in the closing four minutes, while SUNY New Paltz earned a corner kick with less than 90 seconds remaining.

With time winding down and their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the Hawks pushed forward in search of one final opportunity.

Following a Rutgers-Newark foul in the final minute, SUNY New Paltz sent a free kick into the crowded penalty area. A Scarlet Raiders defender attempted to head the ball away but instead redirected it backward over his own goalkeeper and into the net, stunning the hosts and leveling the contest at 2-2 with just 33 seconds remaining in regulation.

SUNY New Paltz carried its momentum into the extra period, with Dhanoolal generating an opportunity in the 96th minute. However, the Scarlet Raiders delivered the final blow at the 98:05 mark, as Michael Reis connected with Vieira for the golden goal, securing the 3-2 victory and a berth in the NJAC semifinals.

Despite the result, the Hawks controlled much of the second half, outshooting Rutgers-Newark 11-2 over the final 45 minutes of regulation.

SUNY New Paltz finished with a 16-11 advantage in total shots and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.

Zindler and Dhanoolal each recorded three shots to lead the Hawks, while Lizama finished with two shots and his fourth goal of the season.

Joyce registered the assist on Lizama’s tally, while Sheehan played all 98:05 in goal, recording three saves.

The loss concludes SUNY New Paltz’s inaugural season in the NJAC with a 10-6-2 overall record. The Hawks earned the No. 5 seed in their first conference tournament appearance, securing a postseason berth in their debut campaign as members of the league.