Upstate Update - Week 4

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

Skidmore at Union

Friday, September 20

The first league game of the season brings us a matchup between undefeated Liberty League teams.

Skidmore are league heavyweights and were back to back finalists in 2016 and 2017. This Thoroughbred team was looking to bounce back to its dominant ways after a less than stellar league finish last year.

The Dutchmen are a team who believe that their time has come. Union once again had an excellent start to its season and once again overwhelmed their non-league opponents.

The real season now begins, and every win not only benefits the victor but earns a valuable seeding advantage over the defeated foe.

The Season Thus Far

Skidmore entered the game with an undefeated record and knew that an early league victory on the road could prove invaluable.

Union meanwhile began the season with seven straight wins and were looking to continue their perfect start.

Game On

It took 32 minutes for the home team to get on the board with a goal by Jeremy Conn.

The home crowd’s celebration was cut short soon after when the visitors scored two goals in rapid succession just before half time.

Union entered the half facing a one goal deficit with Skidmore having the sizable edge in both possession and shots on target.

Union found their equalizer at the 60 minute mark after yet another quality assist by the ever dangerous Salvador Lopez. The Dutchmen went on to score their deserved winning goal just sixteen minutes before the end of regulation for a dramatic come from behind 3-2 win.

Take Away

This is a dangerous Union team. A quality league win will only boost the confidence of this exciting team who are now off to their best start since 2013.

Skidmore put in a very quality performance and despite the loss were able to outshoot a good Union team 24 to 12. The Dutchmen were simply more clinical in front of goal.

Around the Region

St. Lawrence 2, Potsdam 0 - The young Saints look to bounce back as they look to start the league season.

Skidmore 2, Plattsburgh 0 - Skidmore gets a quality victory against a strong SUNYAC foe.

Hobart 1, Cortland 0 - Statesmen steal one against the highly ranked Red Dragons.

RPI 2, Oneonta 1 (1OT) - Engineers steal one against the highly ranked Red Dragons.

Clarkson 1, Plattsburgh 0 - Clarkson gets a key win before the route 11 showdown against the rival Saints.

Nazareth 4, Alfred 1 - Strong start to the league season by Nazareth.

Stevens 1, Stevenson 1 (2OT) - Ducks are held by their namesake.

RIT 5, Houghton 0 - Tigers look to be in a hunting mood with Hobart on deck.

Rochester 1, Vassar 0 (1OT) - The injury-hit Brewers are looking to get healthier before the league season begins.

Rochester 1, Geneseo 0 (2OT) - The Yellow Jackets are once again off to a strong start.

Cortland 2, Ithaca 2 (2OT) - Two good teams split the honors.

Bard 3, Hartwick 0 - Very good result for Bard as they look to orchestrate a challenging season.

Team of the Week

Union

Dutchmen Unblemished

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