SUNY Oneonta senior Hans Purtell (Johnson City/Johnson City) scored the only goal of the match in the 71^st minute and the defense held visiting Rensselaer to just five shots in a 1-0 win at home today.  The victory was the third straight for the Red Dragons, who are now 3-2 overall.  The loss for the Engineers drop them to 2-2-1 overall.
 
The goal for Oneonta came on the ensuing action after a corner kick.  The ball was sent back out to the left flank where senior Anthony Passiatore (South Setauket/Ward Melville) crossed a ball into the box where classmate Hans Purtell (Johnson City/Johnson City) rose above the defense to redirect the pass to the back of the goal.  For Purtell, it was his team-leading third goal of the young season.
 
"The first half was a struggle," said Head Coach Iain Byrne.  "We controlled the second half with Passiatore leading by example.  His assist to Hans was a great play."
 
RPI had its best chance to equalize in the 80th minute, when senior Dylan Weitz delivered a ball behind the Oneonta defense. Classmate Devon Baughen made a sliding attempt that came up short and junior Jeff Willoughby saw his left-footed shot from a narrow angle miss wide.
 
Oneonta finished with a 10-5 edge in shots, including 5-0 on goal.
 
The Red Dragons saw a number of early shot attempts blocked by the RPI defensive back line, including two in the first 20 minutes.  A pair of long free kicks provided the hosts with two more opportunities, but they were unable to find the target in the end.
 
Rensselaer generated a pair of chances late in the half, starting with a throw-in towards the top of the 18 deflected to senior Gabe El-Ghandour, who headed it over the net. Freshman Dylan Confair then saw his half volley flash over the bar from 16 yards out.
 
Oneonta freshman keeper Ryan Wilson (Poughkeepsie/Arlington) was not forced to make a save and picked up his first collegiate shutout.  Junior Ryan Nealon made four stops in goal for the visitors.
 
Oneonta next opponent will be Vassar College who visit Red Dragon Field on Saturday for a 2pm kickoff.