BUFFALO, NY – The #16 Buffalo State men's soccer team honored former legendary head coach Fred Hartrick in fitting fashion on Friday night, defeating SUNY Geneseo, 2-1, in a gritty non-conference battle at Coyer Field.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: #16
Buffalo State - 2, SUNY Geneseo - 1
LOCATION: Coyer Field – Buffalo, NY
RECORDS: #16
Buffalo State (2-0-0, 0-0-0 SUNYAC), Geneseo (1-1-0, 0-0-0 Empire 8)
INSIDE THE BENGAL BOX SCORE
- Diego Rivera (East Meadow, NY/Cairo Durham) sparked the Bengals' attack with a goal and an assist, while Matthew Stasyuk (Syracuse, NY/Marcellus) netted the game-winner in the first half off Rivera's setup.
- Goalkeeper Carson Smith (Big Flats, NY/Horseheads) went the distance in net, recording four saves.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Bengals wasted no time honoring Hartrick's legacy, breaking through in the fifth minute when Rivera slotted home the opening goal to ignite the home crowd.
- Less than 15 minutes later, Rivera turned provider, feeding Stasyuk for Buffalo State's second tally and commanding 2-0 advantage.
- The Bengals' back line held firm through the remainder of the first half, frustrating the Knights and carrying a two-goal cushion into the break.
- The Knights cut the deficit in the 51st minute, but the Bengals refused to let momentum shift. The strong defensive of the Bengals would make key stops down the stretch as the Bengals fended off late pressure to secure the win.
- The Knights held a slight 9-8 edge in total shots, but the Bengals were more clinical, putting six attempts on target compared to the Knights' five.
FOR THE FOES
- Burke netted the lone Geneseo goal, assisted by Dylan Thody.
- Keeper Max Crothall played the full 90 minutes, finishing with four saves.
UP NEXT
The Bengals return to action at the "Fredonia Classic" next Friday, September 5, facing Bryant & Stratton College at 1:00 p.m.
