Box Score

Purchase, NY (Oct. 13, 2012) – Conference powerhouse Mount Saint Mary got the better of host Purchase Saturday, edging the Panthers, 2-1.

Short-handed Purchase was without starting goalkeeper Dylan Hyman (SO/San Francisco, CA), which didn't help its cause against one of the Skyline Conference's elite programs. The Knights (8-5, 5-1 Skyline) immediately took advantage, scoring a pair of first-half goals against backup keeper Michael Beckett (JR/Yorktown Heights, NY) – a converted defender, who did an admirable job called upon on such late notice with Hyman unavailable. A handful of other factors, including injuries, have also limited Purchase's lineup the past two weeks, as other key personnel remains sidelined.

Nonetheless, Purchase (5-7-1, 3-4 Skyline) fought valiantly against an opponent that could easily be on course to win the league crown. The Panther defense battled after allowing a goal within the first three minutes to forward Alex Tolman and another score midway through the period to midfielder Sean Lockwood. Both goals were scored on crosses inside the box.

The early margin provided some cushion for the visitors and allowed the Mount to get settled. With their offense in gear, the Knights also played stellar defense, turning in a supreme effort against the feisty hosts, who refused to go quietly.

In the second half, Purchase got on the scoreboard and cut the deficit right in half off a free kick by Stefan Gohler (SO/Brooklyn, NY), which rookie Cesar Bautista (FR/Port Chester, NY) headed in for his first goal of the season. Purchase's first score came in the 42nd minute of the second half.

The acrobatic goal provided a huge lift in the Panther morale and paved the way for an exciting final 40 minutes, with each team charging back-and-forth on the field – one looking for a goal, the other looking to prevent one and seal the victory. 

Each club had their chances. The Panthers narrowly missed tying the game shortly after the Bautista header, when Andres Romero (JR/Port Chester, NY) blasted the top left cross bar. Several shots on goal would follow, including two free kicks inside the final minute and a half, both of which were saved, but Purchase could not find the equalizer against the Knights defense and netminder Matt Darling, as MSMC held on for the narrow victory.

Lost in defeat was the play of Purchase co-captain Dan Sanvitale (SR/Rocky Point, NY), who starred on defense and changed the dynamic in the back once he entered later in the first. Sanvitale, who has been battling an illness, was forced out of the starting lineup, but was able to get himself in well enough condition to play. He entered as a sub and transformed the Panther defense, which struggled without him in the first 10 minutes.   

Like the contest itself, MSMC narrowly outshot Purchase, winning that battle 16-14, and also took 14 corners to the Panthers' one. 
    
With the victory, the Knights moved into a tie for second place, along with St. Joseph's College-LI, in the league standings. SJC-LI was also in action today, but those results were unavailable at presstime. As for the Panthers, their latest defeat – their fifth straight – has them just outside of the playoff picture as Purchase is still looking to make a run at one of the six conference playoff spots with the fall season winding down.

Purchase returns to action Wednesday at home, welcoming Yeshiva to the turf for a 7 p.m. matchup. Wednesday is Senior Night and the Panthers will honor their senior class in a pregame ceremony.