The SUNY Oneonta men's soccer team played its SUNYAC opener today at home versus Buffalo State and came away with a hard fought 1-0 shutout.  Senior Nicholas Giordano (East Northport/Commack) picked up his second shutout of the season, as the Red Dragons upped its overall record to 4-2-2.  The loss for the Bengals dropped them to 5-2 overall.
 
"Congrats to Ryan for scoring his first goal," said Head Coach Iain Byrne.  "I thought we played much better in the second half with a strong wind behind us."
 
Statistically, Oneonta held a slight 13-11 shot advantage including a 10-6 bulge in the second half where they carried most of the play.
 
After a scoreless first half of play, Oneonta finally broke through in the 60^th minute of the match.  The play was created in the box starting with sophomore Roberto Ventura (Brentwood/Brentwood) who sent a pass to junior Witman Hernandez (Huntington/Walt Whitman) who shielded off his defender before turning and sending a pass to freshman Ryan Catalano (Seaford/Island Trees).  Catalano finished off the play with a shot along the ground that went under the diving keeper from Buffalo.
 
Giordano made all five of his saves in the second half keeping the game in favor of the Red Dragons.  The Bengals' most dangerous opportunity came in the 87^th minute on a direct kick.  August Finn took the kick for Buffalo and sent a hard shot heading towards the upper middle of the goal.  Giordano timed his jump just right and was able to punch the ball over the cross bar.
 
The Bengals had one last shot in the final 30 seconds, but Giordano was up to the task cradling it as time ran down.
 
Oneonta will complete its home weekend tomorrow with a match against Fredonia beginning at 1pm on Red Dragon Field.