Men's Soccer Team Win Barkeater Cup!

Tully, NY ~ For the first time in 11 years, the Paul Smith's College Men's Soccer Team have defeated SUNY ESF in the Barkeater Cup.

The Bobcats got off to a quick start against the Mighty Oaks as Nathan Wiley (Wareham, MA), the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA) leading scorer this season, netted early in the 7th minute on yet another great service from Liam Curthoys (Rhinebeck, NY).  Curthoys, quickly becoming known for his ability as a passer, occupies the top spot in the nation in the assists category with 10.  

"The team has really elevated the level we play at this year.  It feels great to contribute and help bring home the Barkeater Cup," said Wiley.

"I think there's more to come from this team and I'm excited to see it," he added.

After the opening goal, the game settled into a nervy stalemate for the remainder of the first half, with ESF generating more corner kicks and shots than the Bobcats.  The second half opened in dramatic fashion, when ESF beat the Bobcat defenders to the end line and scored on a cross after just 37 seconds. 

With the score tied 1-1 and the game in the balance, the valiant Bobcats raised their level.  The stingy back line of Tim Romero (Pueblo, CO), Kagan Hance (Chester, VT), Agus Putrawan (Gili Trawangan, Indonesia), and Jacob Butler (New Gloucester, ME) locked the game down, giving up only one more shot in the final 45 minutes.

Romero noted, "We had great 1v1 defending from both our backs and midfielders, and our forwards were able to convert even with less chances than we usually give them."

Emboldened by a Romero yellow card in the 51st minute, the Bobcats began to create more chances and take over the flow of the game.  As the game wore on the ESF defending became more and more desperate.  The Bobcats elevated their attacking play as the midfield of Curthoys, Cody Hanson (Fonda, NY), and Adam Holt(Spencerport, NY) imposed their will on the game, winning ball after ball, and wearing down the ESF midfield.

The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute when center back Kagan Hance put a perfect free kick in behind for Nick Grover (Batavia, NY).  Holding off a hapless defender, Grover slammed the shot past the onrushing ESF goalkeeper for the game winning goal.

"Our team this year is very strong all around," said the ever-humble Grover. 

"We played a hard 90 minutes to win the Barkeater Cup.  The boys have been giving it their all and the results show it," he added.

ESF tried to press the issue after going behind but couldn't match the pace or grit of Zane Busch (Carthage, NY) and Gabe Freebern (North Creek, NY) bombing down the wings and getting into the box.  The Bobcats' focus never wavered as they closed the game out, with Grover nearly scoring again as his goalkeeper-beating chip was cleared off the line by a sliding defender. 

"We knew all along the Cup was coming home this year," said Man of the Match Kagan Hance; "Great teams always find a way to win."

The win moves the Bobcats to 5-0-1 on the season.  They are currently ranked eighth in the nation in the USCAA and remain undefeated through six games, giving up only two goals.

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.