ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Men's Soccer team hosted Geneseo in their Empire 8 conference opener, ultimately falling 2-1 to the Knights on Saturday afternoon at Elmore Field.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Geneseo 2 Hartwick 1

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

• Records: Geneseo (3-3, 1-0 Empire 8) Hartwick (1-3-1, 0-1 Empire 8) 

BY THE NUMBERS 

• The Hawks outshot the Knights 15-8 but could only muster one goal.

• In his first game back from injury, Andres Ordonez Acosta (Estado de Mexico, Mexico) buried the lone goal for the Hawks.

• First Year Jelani Usim (Kingston, Jamaica) made his collegiate debut in between the posts, collecting a save.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After a busy Mayor's Cup weekend, the Hartwick men's soccer team returned to the pitch to begin Empire 8 play, falling 2-1 to the Geneseo Knights in a hard-fought contest. The Hawks had defeated the Knights in last year's first round of the Empire 8 playoffs, but Geneseo came out with early intensity this time around.

The Knights registered the first shot of the game just five minutes in, though Hartwick goalkeeper Usim was able to keep the game scoreless. Devin Chandler (Wylie, Tex.) created multiple scoring opportunities for the Blue and White in the first half, including two corners, but the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

Early in the second half, Geneseo again applied pressure, hitting the crossbar in the 49th minute before following up on initial pressure from midfield, finding an open Knight in the box to put away the score. Fifteen minutes later, a free kick allowed the Knights to extend their advantage to 2-0. Hartwick responded when Kwame Amissah-Arthur (Federal Way, Wash.) sent a pinpoint entry pass into the box, earning a penalty kick, and Andres Ordonez Acosta converted in the 68th minute for his first goal of the season.

Despite several late chances—including another penalty opportunity in the 77th minute and a final look from Hunter Bulich (Catskill, N.Y.)—Hartwick could not find the equalizer, falling 2-1 to open conference play.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will look to defend home field against the Nazareth Golden Flyers on Friday, September 19th at 7PM.

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.