ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hawks fell 1-0 to the Utica Pioneers in a tough conference battle.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Utica 1 Hartwick 0

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y. | Elmore Field

• Records: Utica (7-3-3, 4-1-3 Empire 8) Hartwick (4-7-2, 3-4-1 Empire 8)
   

BY THE NUMBERS

• Both teams posted plenty of shots throughout the match, though Hartwick held a slight 18-11 edge. Despite this, they were unable to get a goal on the board.

• Jelani Usim (Kingston, Jamaica) had yet another great day in goal with 5 saves. The goalkeeper for the Pioneers would shut out the Hawks with 8.

• Andres Ordonez Acosta (Estado de Mexico, Mexico) would lead the Hawks on the offense, with 3 shots on goal out of his 4 total.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In what could be considered a crucial match for the Hawks, they hoped to put another win in the books ahead of their final few regular season contests, and move up within conference rankings. However, Utica was a worthy opponent and gave the Hawks little to work with in this fierce match up. Both teams battled in the midfield, though Nick Nowak (Shoreham, N.Y.) and Mariano Kool (Amsterdam, Netherlands) would each take a shot within the first three minutes of the game in an effort to lead the game early, but they were each thwarted by the keeper. Ordonez Acosta would keep the momentum going by posting two shots in the first. Utica dominated the first half in corner kicks with six, but the Hawks' defense held them off until chaos in the box erupted in the 30th minute and Usim was unable to wrangle the ball in time to stop a Pioneer goal.

The Hawks shut down nearly every offensive attempt by the Pioneers in the second half, while they fought for ten shots and five corner kicks in an effort to tie the match. Despite an intense rally in the second half and a shutout half for Usim in goal, the Hawks could not overcome the one-goal deficit and fell to the Utica University Pioneers in regular season conference play.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will continue their conference slate with an away contest against St. John Fisher University on Saturday, October 18th at 3PM.

About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.