KEUKA PARK, N.Y. – Men's soccer secured a 1-0 Empire 8 victory over Keuka, after
Kayden Zachgo (Warwick, N.Y.) netted the game winning goal in the 72
nd minute.
Kayden Zachgo hit the go-ahead goal in the 72
nd minute, off of an assist from
Wilson Mount (Atlanta, Ga.). Mount led the Hawks offensively with seven shots, while
Mariano Kool (Amsterdam, Netherlands) and
Andres Ordonez Acosta (Estado de Mexico, Mexico) each added three. Hartwick dominated in offensive opportunities, outshooting the Wolves 23-2 and placing 11 shots on goal.
Defensively,
Nils Ole Petersen (Greiz, Germany) played all 90 minutes in goal for the Hawks, recording a shutout as Hartwick held Keuka without a shot on target. The Hawks' defensive unit limited the Wolves to just one shot in each half.
With the victory, Hartwick improves to 6-10 overall and 5-6 in Empire 8 conference play, while Keuka falls to 1-14-1 overall and 0-10 in conference action.
The Hawks established their offensive presence early, with Ordonez Acosta recording the first shot of the contest in the 10th minute. Mount followed with an attempt just moments later before
Fischer Brogan (Ocean View, N.J.) forced the Keuka goalkeeper into a save in the 14th minute. Hartwick continued to apply pressure, generating multiple opportunities from Mount, Kool, and Brogan throughout the opening 20 minutes.
The Hawks picked up where they left off in the second half, continuing to create scoring opportunities.
Jon Smith (Bremen, Ga.) and Ordonez Acosta recorded back-to-back shots on goal in the 58th and 59th minutes, but Keuka kept Hartwick off the scoreboard. Mount and
Benji Griffiths (St. Andrew, Jamaica) added attempts as the Hawks continued searching for the breakthrough.
Keuka threatened in the 71st minute when Patrick Mucha sent an attempt off the crossbar, but Hartwick quickly responded. In the 72nd minute, Mount connected with Zachgo, who found the back of the net at 71:57 for his second goal of the season, giving the Hawks a 1-0 advantage.
Hartwick continued to control possession in the attacking third, with Mount testing again in the 83rd minute. The Hawks earned three corner kicks in the final eight minutes and continued to pressure the Keuka defense. Hartwick's defensive unit held firm through the final whistle, preserving the 1-0 shutout victory.
With the win, Hartwick will advance into the Empire 8 Conference Championships.
