ALBANY, N.Y. - The Hartwick Men's Soccer team traveled to Russell Sage for a midweek clash, ultimately being outlasted by the Gators on Wednesday afternoon at ACPHS Complex.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 2 Russell Sage 3

• Location: Albany, N.Y. | ACPHS Complex

• Records: Hartwick (5-9-2, 4-6-1 Empire 8) Russell Sage (10-6-2, 4-5-2 Empire 8)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Devin Chandler displayed his elite playmaking ability once again, being the first player in the conference to reach 10 assists.

• Mathieu Six continues to be a force on both ends of the pitch, leading the Hawks with his fitth goal of the season.

• The Hawks generated 17 shots with eight on target compared to the Gators' 11 shots with six of those on target.

HOW IT HAPPENED
With a spot already secured in the upcoming 2025 Empire 8 Men's Soccer Championship Tournament, Hartwick went head-to-head with Russell Sage, who was fighting to claim the final playoff berth. The Blue and White entered the match as the No. 7 seed, with a loss threatening to drop them to No. 8.

The Hawks looked to strike early, as first-year forward Wilson Mount (Atlanta, Ga.) created the first scoring chance with a header in the fourth minute. Mount wouldn't be denied twice, burying a feed from Devin Chandler (Wylie, Tex.)in the 16th minute to open the scoring. Russell Sage responded in the 24th minute with a direct free kick to level the match, then surged ahead just four minutes later, seizing a 2–1 advantage and the momentum heading into halftime.

Hartwick regained its rhythm late in the half, with Mathieu Six (Antwerp, Belgium) testing the Gator keeper in the 40th minute before two additional Hawk shots narrowly missed the mark.

With playoff seeding on the line, the final 45 minutes were filled with intensity. Both teams exchanged yellow cards early in the second half, and Hartwick capitalized on the Sage caution as Six converted a penalty kick in the 53rd minute to tie the match. The Gators immediately pushed back, forcing a save from Drew Cover (Fayetteville, Pa.) seconds later.

The Hawks continued to press, generating multiple chances after an offsides call in the 57th minute halted a promising attack. Despite their efforts, it was Sage who struck next, converting off a corner in the 81st minute for what proved to be the game-winner. Hartwick fought until the final whistle, earning a late corner in the 89th minute, but the equalizer wouldn't come as the Hawks fell narrowly on the road.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will prepare for the first round of the Empire 8 Men's Soccer Championship Tournament, taking on the No.1 SUNY Geneseo Knights at 1PM on Saturday, November 1st at SUNY Geneseo.

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.