October 10, 2018
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
RPI at Union
Saturday, October 6
It was a battle of two teams desperate for a win in this week’s upstate update.
RPI (4-7-1 / 2-2-0) has been among the elite in the Liberty League for many years led by the brilliant Adam Clinton for almost two decades. Missing last season’s league playoffs was an anomaly that would surely be corrected this season.
The Dutchmen (5-6-0 / 1-3-0) meanwhile entered the season with a young and talented roster seeking quality experience in a difficult league.
Both teams had it all to play for as the loser of this game might have a hard time recovering before the end of the season.
The Season Thus Far
RPI had a tough start to the season but were entering this game after a morale boosting victory over St. Lawrence who were previously undefeated in the league.
Union were winless in the league and were facing a must win game in early October.
Game On
The Dutchmen jumped out to a quick start as junior midfielder Yasin Dombayci headed in off a free kick to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Union would take the slim advantage to half time in a back and forth game.
RPI fought back in the second half and produced a few quality chances of their own. The Union defense held strong until the 68th minute when Dillon Ashong produced the tying goal from a penalty kick for the Engineers.
The contest would remain tied for only four minutes when Union’s Harrison Wenzel restored Union’s one goal advantage with a header of his own.
Two headed goals by Union and a tight defense throughout was all it took for a hard fought three points. Union fans enjoyed a quality win over a top-class opponent in a game the home team dominated on the score sheet and the shot chart (10-6).
Take Away
Just when we thought we had the Liberty League figured out we get a result that keeps both teams in the mix. Up next for the Dutchmen is a very hot Vassar team followed by the highly ranked Bombers.
The Engineers are still in good shape and are 2-2-0 in league play, but on the horizon are a hungry RIT (4-5-1 / 0-3-0) followed by a rejuvenated Hobart (5-4-2 / 4-0-1) team.
Around the Region
St. Lawrence 3, Canton 0 - Canton derby is won by the Saints (7-2-2 / 2-1-1), but a very positive showing by an improving Canton (6-6-2 / 3-1-0) team.
Geneseo 4, St. John Fisher 0 - Strong showing by Geneseo (5-5-3 / 2-3-1) who will look to start a run with the toughest games of the season now behind them.
Vassar 1, Skidmore 0 (2OT) - The Brewers (8-2-0 / 4-0-0) are perfect in league play but face a difficult trip up North to face Clarkson (7-3-1 / 1-2-1) and St. Lawrence.
Ithaca 2, Bard 0 - Bombers (8-1-3 / 1-1-2) gain their first league win of the season and will look to maintain strong form against Skidmore (6-2-3 / 2-1-1) on the weekend.
Cortland 2, Plattsburgh 0 - Very good win by the Red Dragons (10-1-2 / 4-1-0) as they put the New Paltz debacle behind them.
Geneseo 2, New Paltz 1 (OT) - New Paltz (8-4-1 / 3-2-1) is unable to build on last week’s victory over the Red Dragons but is still in decent shape.
Hobart 1, Clarkson 0 - Don’t tell anyone, but the Statesmen are riding a 14-game league unbeaten streak.
Oneonta 2, Brockport 2 (2OT) - Two teams who enjoyed amazing success in 2017 are fighting hard to do the same this season.
St. Lawrence 2, RIT 0 - RIT in must win mode from here on out.
Ithaca 3, Alfred 1 - Ithaca having a strong season while Alfred (4-10-0 / 3-1-0) continues to show courage in their non-conference schedule.
Buffalo State 4, Fredonia 0 - Good win for Buffalo (7-3-2 / 2-2-1) with Cortland on the horizon
Franklin and Marshall 1, Stevens 0 - Rare loss for the Ducks (11-2-1 / 4-0-0) against a quality opposition.
Team of the Week
Hobart
Statesmen’s Liberty League streak.
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