Visiting SUNY Potsdam topped Johnson State College men's soccer team 3-1 on Wednesday afternoon in a non –conference match at Minaert Field. The Badgers slip to 0-3, 0-0 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) while Potsdam improves to 2-1 overall and 0-0 in State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play.
Potsdam received two goals from Alessio Vitale and one from Tom Benedetto in the Bears' road win. Eduardo Figueroa and Alessio Vitale each contributed assists to the winning effort.
Johnson's single score came off of a converted free kick from Keegan Hanlon. At the 38:43 mark, Hanlon sent a ball sailing into the upper left corner off of a 20 yard free kick to put the Badgers on the board 2-1 and keep them in the game.
The Bears scored 26 minutes into the first half when Figueroa delivered a through ball to Vitale who fired off a low shot to pass senior goalkeeper Ryan Belen giving Potsdam the lead 1-0. Just five minutes later, Vitale sent a long cross to Benedetto who volleyed the ball into the back of the net to put the visitors ahead by two. At the half, Potsdam remained ahead by one.
Vitale's goal in the 62nd minute came off of a crisp feed from Figueroa and would prove to seal the deal on the Bears' win, bringing the finally tally to 3-1.
In goal for Johnson, Belen stopped 10 shots while Potsdam freshman keeper Nick Davies picked up a win saving just one shot for the Bears.
Potsdam handily outshot Johnson 30-6 over the 90 minutes of play.
Johnson moves on to host non-conference opponent Curry College on Saturday at 4:00pm while Potsdam will host the College at Old Westbury for a game under the lights at 6:00pm.
Check out Drew Steady's post game interview here.
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