Bobcats Sparkle in Season Opener

Saranac Lake, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College men's soccer team opened a new era this evening – and what a start it was.

The Bobcats first chance came when senior Riley Shone (Rochester, NY) went to goal and was taken down from behind to win a penalty kick just 40 seconds into the game.  After he converted from the stripe to open the scoring the Bobcats kept pouring on the goals in the intermittent rain en route to a 12-0 victory to open their season. 

"We were sharp at the start, our forward players especially. They did a great job creating quality chances early," said first year Head Coach Chris George.

"Riley had such great energy right from the kickoff and everyone just fed off that."

That energy led to two more goals from Shone, finishing with a hat trick on the day. 

A trio of first-half braces by Nick Grover (Batavia, NY), Nathan Wiley (Wareham, MA), and Shone with an added goal by sophomore transfer Liam Curthoys (Rhinebeck, NY) saw the Bobcats take a 7-0 lead going into intermission as they enjoyed a substantial advantage in possession, shots, corner kicks, and fouls suffered.

The second half was more of the same from the Bobcats as they continued to make the Saints chase the game while creating high quality chances.  Shone, Curthoys, Grover and newcomers Zane Busch (Carthage, NY), and Xavier Rickell (Boston, MA) all pumped in goals in the final 45' to put the game well out of reach at 12-0.  Liam Curthoys picked up four assists on the day, while Grover and senior Adam Holt (Spencerport, NY) added two helpers each.  Riley Shone had one assist in addition to his hat trick and Nick Grover added a triple of his own as he continues his impressive career on the pitch for Paul Smith's College.

Although they didn't feature on the score sheet, Bryce Calderwood (Liverpool, NY) and Gabe Freebern (North Creek, NY) provided plenty of excitement on the wing, while Cody Hanson (Fonda, NY) was a key contributor controlling the middle of the field.  Adam Holt also played a key role in the midfield while Kagan Hance (Chester, VT), Agus Putrawan (Gili Trawangan, Indonesia), Jacob Butler (New Gloucester, ME), and senior captain Tim Romero (Pueblo, CO) were strong in the back and a big reason the Bobcats gave up limited scoring chances.  Romero and Butler also provided thrust to the attack on and off the ball while Kolin Bijeaux (Breaux Bridge, LA) made a strong debut in the back. 

The Bobcats enjoyed a large advantage in possession on the day, finishing with 73%, while GK Cazmir Couble (Spofford, NH) earned the shutout on a day of light work. 

"Love the strong start to the season," commented captain Tim Romero after the game.  "Very excited to see new and old faces coming together to achieve the same goals," he added

The Bobcats move to 1-0; their next outing is 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 24th at SUNY-Adirondack.  You can follow the team on Instagram at @paulsimthsmsoc for game recaps and pictures, or follow the general PSC athletics account at @smitty_nation for schedules, scores, highlights, and more!

Game Notes: Liam Curthoys (2G, 4A), Zane Busch (1G), Xavier Rickell (1G) all scored on their Bobcats debut.  Riley Shone and Nick Grover both finished with hat tricks.

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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.