Upstate Update - Week 6

By Mani Tafari

The Upstate Update brings you up to speed on Division III men's soccer in the "Upstate" New York region, home to the SUNYAC, Liberty League, and Empire 8. Several key matches will be recapped each week along with a more in-depth look at a Game of the Week.

Game of the Week

Oneonta State at SUNY Potsdam

Saturday, October 8

Almost seven years ago Oneonta State were beginning what would be a continued domination of the SUNYAC conference and Upstate New York. At the same time, Potsdam Bears were turning their program into a respected and feared squad in the SUNYAC. As Potsdam has learned over the last few seasons, teams come at you much harder when you are respected. This mid-season matchup would pit arguably the most dominant team against the most improved.

The Season Thus Far

Potsdam came into the game after a hard fought 2-2 tie against New Paltz. A solid 6-3-2 record was perhaps a bit misleading, considering the conference record stood at 1-2-1. A win would have Coach Parker undoubtedly upbeat, but a loss would signal a tough fight ahead for playoff participation.

Game On

The score was even just before half time when Red Dragon Junior Cory Santangelo opened his account for the season giving Coach Bryne’s men a 1-0 advantage heading into half-time. The second half would see Oneonta take control of the game with more and more possession leading to three more unanswered goals, including a second for Santangelo. The home team fought back and came close to scoring themselves on a couple of occasions, but Oneonta was simply too much on the day for a 4-0 victory. The visitors ended the game with a 21-9 shot advantage for a very strong all-round performance.

Oneonta played close to a complete game and remain undefeated in conference play.

Take Away

Potsdam must turn things around fast in the very competitive SUNYAC conference. Oneonta meanwhile look to be gearing up for what seems to be their yearly Final Four run.

These teams may meet again, but for that to happen, Potsdam must improve fast.

Around the Region

Skidmore 2, St. Lawrence 0 - Skidmore (5-4-2 / 2-0-1) are in prime position for a playoff berth while St. Lawrence (9-2-0 / 2-2-0) is on the outside looking in half way through the conference season.

Union 2, RIT 0 - Union (8-2-1 / 2-0-1) looking to return to the Liberty League playoffs while RIT (4-5-3 / 1-2-1) must now play catch-up to even have a chance.

Vassar 3, RPI 2 - Two of the most consistent teams in the league over the last decade, it seems like one of these teams will not make this year’s post season.

Hobart 2, Clarkson 1 (1OT) - A season that started with so much promise for Clarkson (5-4-2 / 1-2-1) seems to be trending in an all too familiar pattern.

Stevens 4, Utica 3 - Ducks (6-4-1 / 3-1-0) win the shootout to remain in great position in league play.

St. Johns Fisher 3, Alfred 3 (2OT) - No shortage of goals in the Empire 8 this weekend. Alfred (7-3-2 / 1-2-1) keeps the pace.

Houghton 4, Nazareth 1 - Conference playoff race begins to take shape.

Cortland State 1, Buffalo State 0 - After a brief mid-season slump, Cortland (10-2-0 / 5-1-0) is back.

Team of the Week

Oneonta

When it starts to get cold, the Red Dragons get hot.

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