SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- The No. 15 SUNY Oneonta men's soccer team opened the 2023 season with a 2-0 road victory over Union, Friday evening. Sophomore Ali Somow recorded the game-winner, his first goal as a Red Dragon, in the 24th minute, and sophomore
Milton Mancias Magana (Mamaroneck, N.Y./Mamaroneck) put the game away in the 68th for his first goal of the season.
"That was a real tough game," head coach
Iain Byrne stated. "We knew coming in Union would put us on the back foot, and defensively we managed to keep the clean sheet."
Following a goal kick, Oneonta quickly worked the ball down the sideline. Somow received the pass between two defenders about 25 yards out, gave it one touch into the left side of the penalty area and fired the ball through the goalkeeper's hands for the score.
Early in the 68th minute, freshman
Zach Tanner (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Saint Anthony's HS) forced a Union turnover at midfield. Mancias Magana gained control of the ball, brought it just inside of the penalty area and used his right foot to bend it around the Garnet Charger defender into the left side of the net.
Senior
Nate Hanna (Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker) recorded three saves in the shutout. Jacob Perry saved five shots for Union.
Oneonta outshot Union 13-9 and 7-3 on goal, while the Garnet Chargers held a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks.
The Red Dragons return to action Monday when they host Hartwick in the Battle of the Hills at 2 pm.
