Box Score

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 20, 2014) – Sophomore Noah Bloch (Highland Park, IL/Highland Park) scored the game's only goal in the first half, as Vassar held on to top SUNY-New Paltz 1-0 Saturday afternoon. The score was the first career goal for Bloch as a Brewer, and it proved to be a big one as the game winner lifted VC to 6-2-1 on the season. New Paltz drops to 3-3 on the year with the defeat.

Bloch made the best scoring opportunity for Vassar all day count in the 9^th minute, after a great feed from freshman Reid Smith (Greensboro, NC/Greensboro Day School) on the right wing set up the play. Bloch collected Reid's pass near the top right of the 18-yard box, and buried a well-placed shot into the left corner of the net past the outstretched Hawks keeper.

The New Paltz defense clamped down after the early goal, forcing the Brewers to work harder to produce chances near the net as the contest went on. The Hawks looked like they had a sure equalizer in the 23^rd minute, after an attempted pass from junior goalie Sebastien Lasseur (Cornwall, CT/Housatonic Vly Regional) was intercepted in the box. Junior Jason Gonzalez took a shot on the empty net, but it sailed wide left as the Brewers escaped the near-goal to remain ahead 1-0.

The second half remained tense as both sides made runs at the opposing goal, but neither defense allowed any clean looks through the final 45 minutes. Freshman goalkeeper Matt Marcelino (Valencia, CA/Notre Dame) was solid in his first full half of action as a Brewer, making four saves while aggressively pursuing any loose balls in the box. The Hawks pushed the pace into the closing minutes, before the visitors' last possession trickled out of bounds allowing Vassar to clear the final seconds off the clock.

Lasseur and Marcelino combined to earn the fourth shutout of the season for Vassar. The win halts a two-game skid for the Brewers and gives the team a much-needed confidence boost only a week away from Liberty League competition. VC will return to action this coming Wednesday, September 24 when the team travels to face Kean University at 4:00 pm.