FREDONIA, N.Y. – The Fredonia State Men's Soccer Team fell to 6-8-0 and 1-5-0 in SUNYAC play following a 1-0 loss to New Paltz (11-2-0, 6-0-0 SUNYAC) on Friday afternoon.
 
The first half saw several opportunities for both sides, but neither team was able to break through.
 
In the 40^th minute, the home team attempted a free kick on top of the 18-yard box. Jackson Retzer (Bowmansville, N.Y.) took the attempt in the 39^th minute, sending a perfect ball to the upper right corner. The New Paltz keeper read it perfectly and came up with the save.
 
In the closing minutes of the first half, New Paltz created a one-on-one situation that was turning into a breakaway. William Richardson (Penfield, N.Y.) came off his line and broke up the play to preserve the 0-0 tie.
 
Richardson remained busy in the second stanza, coming up with several big plays for his squad.
 
The first of which was in the 53^rd minute. The Hawks were streaking down the right side of the field, just off of the goal post. New Paltz was able to get a shot off as they were closing in on net. Richardson stepped up with a kick save that his defenders cleared out of danger.
 
Seven minutes later, the visitors sent a high ball towards the home keeper. The junior pulled the ball out of the air, colliding with a streaking New Paltz forward.
 
Richardson and the defense broke down in the 62^nd minute. The Hawks' Philip Varner found himself behind several Blue Devils and took advantage of the close-up attempt.
 
Fredonia State didn't go away quietly and had two great opportunities down the stretch.
 
Minutes later, Parker Ange (Rochester, N.Y.) collected a cross from his teammate and placed it perfectly in the lower left corner. The New Paltz keeper came up with a well-timed save again to keep the Hawks' lead.
 
With 35 seconds left, the Blue Devils had their final opportunity after earning their second corner in a row. Retzer played in a great ball, finding the head of Robert Aboagye (Bronx, N.Y.). Aboagye's attempt looked like it was going to the equalizer but hit the crossbar instead.
 
Richardson finished with four saves over 90 minutes of play.
 
Fredonia State returns to action tomorrow against Oneonta at 1:00 PM. The game will serve as the team's Senior Day celebration.