Box Score
POTSDAM, NY – Jordan Lynch’s goal in the 87th minute gave Hilbert a late-game lift, but Morrisville State hung on for the 2-1 victory in the consolation match of the Potsdam College Cup September 2. Castleton State defeated SUNY Potsdam, 2-1in double overtime to clinch the championship game.
Both teams had opportunities to break into the scoring column in the first half but the Hawks and Mustangs stayed perfect by the break. Hilbert escaped an early Mustang goal when a Hawk defender blocked a Brian Culkin shot while standing on the goal line and Morrisville State stopped a Lynch penalty kick with about ten minutes remaining in the half.
Morrisville snuck one past Hilbert’s Jeremy Kraska just five minutes into the second half to break the tie. The Mustangs extended their lead after Sean Shields directed a header to the back of the net off a corner kick in the 78th minute. Then Lynch scored the Hawks first goal of the season to close the gap with just under three minutes left in the game. Hilbert sent several volleys into the box after their goal, but they couldn’t get the equalizer before the final horn.
Hilbert outshot the Mustangs (16-13) with more direct on-goal hits. Kraska finished with four saves and Morrisville’s Rob Larking tallied seven for the victors.
Castleton’s Nate Koeneman was named as the 2012 SUNY Potsdam College Cup MVP. Also receiving All Tourney recognition were Kraska and James Knapp from Hilbert; Rob Larkin and Joey Plummer from Morrisville; Dominic Heller, Trevor Kotrady, and Spencer Dandurand from Castleton; Chris Chiarella, Eduardo Figueroa, and Dylan Drueger from Potsdam.
The Hawks will travel to Wells College for a non-conference match on September 5.