Bobcats Draw at SUNY Adirondack in Early Season Battle

Queensbury, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College men's soccer team battled to a 0-0 tie against a tough and well-organized SUNY Adirondack on Saturday afternoon in a game that saw both defenses play exceptionally well.  

The Bobcats got some good long distance looks early through midfielder Cody Hanson (Fonda, NY) and forward Adam Holt (Spencerport, NY).  The Bobcats were unable to break through and find that special bit of Smitty magic as the game settled into a cagey battle of wits in the middle third.  That magic nearly materialized midway through the first half as Liam Curthoys (Rhinebeck, NY) delivered a solid headball on frame from Nathan Wiley (Wareham, MA) past the sprawling keeper.  The SUNY Adirondack goaltender made a miraculous save with his foot at the last second to keep Paul Smith's College off the scoreboard.  A back-and-forth slog continued for the rest of the first half as both teams invested considerable sweat equity to no avail.

The Bobcats would regroup for the start of the second and press the advantage with renewed energy as sophomore forward Gabe Freebern (North Creek, NY) got past his mark several times to threaten the net.  On one instance Freebern sent a shot just off-target which flashed across the goalmouth.  In another he sent a cross to a dangerous area where Wiley and Riley Shone (Rochester, NY) were waiting.  Both players had chances to finish but couldn't quite get to the ball to put the Bobcats ahead.  

The Timberwolves seemed to slow as the Bobcats continued to press, their unrelenting persistence palpable as multiple players stood out for the visitors.  Bryce Calderwood (Liverpool, NY) showed a tenacious work ethic throughout the match, demonstrating a stark contrast to his flagging opponents.  His pace drew multiple fouls, including a yellow card, and the resulting set pieces created good chances for the Bobcats.  

Zane Busch (Carthage, NY) created opportunities later in the half, winning multiple 1v1 battles and one corner which nearly resulted in a conversion from Kagan Hance (Chester, VT) as the set delivery sailed just over the heads of several Bobcat attackers.  The Bobcats won the ball shortly after the ensuing goal kick as Zane Busch catalyzed another chance for the icebreaker.  Busch got through the defense to the endline and slipped the ball to an onrushing Wiley who ripped a thunderous shot which was blocked by a Timberwolves defender.

With just over two minutes showing on the clock, the Bobcats netted what they believed to be the game winner.  Busch found space once again and broke toward goal but was fouled hard by a defender going into the penalty area, resulting in both players staying down.  As he returned to his feet the Timberwolf defender was shown his second yellow of the match, and then a red, which precipitated his early exit from the pitch as he made the long, slow, and lonely trek to the sideline.  Invigorated from now being up a man, the Bobcat collective, including the bench, players on the field, and PSC faithful who made the trip to Queensbury to cheer on their boys in black, screamed in unison for a PK.  But instead of a penalty kick, the referee placed the ball directly on the corner of the 18 yard box and gave the visitiors a painful free kick.

Curthoys then deftly delivered a perfecty placed head-level service to an onrushing Nick Grover (Batavia, NY) who smashed the ball into the back of the net.  The release of emotion crescendoed as the Bobcats celebrated what surely had to be the game winner, securing the sweet, sweet road victory in the process.  

But in a moment of terrible realization, the assistant referee on the far side of the field's flag held high, and it held firm.

Offside.

No goal.

It was still 0-0 and now the Timberwolves were moving up the field almost unchallenged, taking advantage of a quick restart and a disoriented Bobcats team who just moments earlier had their stomachs turned upside down.

Senior back Agus Putrawan (Gili Trawangan, Indonesia) saw the disarray from his team and attempted a tackle which was just enough to bump the attacker off his stride and force the ball out wide instead of allowing the home squad to continue unimpeded toward goal - a truly game-saving play as the Timberwolves were effectively 6v1 against the Bobcat defender.  Thanks to Patrawan, the Bobcats were then able regain their shape and defend the Timberwolf attack.

As the Bobcats were packing the box to defend the ball glanced off stalwart left back Jacob Butler (New Gloucester, ME), resulting in a corner for the home side.  After a heroic point-blank block senior captain Tim Romero (Pueblo, CO) which undoubtedly saved a goal, Butler committed a textbook foul well outside the penalty area.  The ball, however, was placed just one yard outside the box, and the Timberwolves looked primed to end the game then and there.  

The last shot of the game was the best chance for the home team.  The ball was struck with pace, low and hard and on target and was on track to sneak just inside the post.  Cazmir Couble (Spofford, NH) then made a sprawling save with arms outstretched to hold onto the ball, end the threat, and preserve the 0-0 tie.  As the referee's final whistle blew, both teams sighed in relief as the last 15 minutes of the early-season matchup felt more like a playoff game than an exhibition between two non-league opponents. 

With the tie, the Bobcats move to 1-0-1 on the season, extending their unbeaten streak to two games and have yet to give up a goal.  They are in action next against Vermont State University - Johnson on Sunday, September 1st as they travel to northern Vermont for their annual two-game road trip to the Green Mountain State. 

You can follow the men's soccer team on Instagram at @paulsmithsmsoc or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for scores, highlights, pictures, and much more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.