Purchase, NY (Sept. 5, 2017) – Fresh off a competitive performance in the Oswego State Classic, Purchase welcomed non-conference rival New Paltz to the campus Tuesday night.

The Hawks, like the Panthers, entered the evening 0-2 following a pair of stiff, non-conference defeats over their first two matchups, including a tough overtime loss to Houghton in the season opener Saturday.

With both teams searching for some good fortune, the bounces went in New Paltz' favor in Purchase's home opener.

A back-and-forth, defensive-minded first half by both teams resulted in a tight, two-goal differential at the break.

An own goal by Purchase handed the Hawks a 1-0 advantage. Midway through the period, the visitors extended the lead off a corner kick and header by Sebastian Gordon-Somers-Archer.

With seconds to go in the period, Purchase fired a shot off a free kick that nearly connected, but the Hawks saved the attempt by Panther forward Rob Cal (JR/Port Jervis, NY) to preserve the 2-0 lead.  

The two teams managed to make it through the first four minutes of the second half before lightning entered the area. New NCAA rules prohibit teams from continuing if lightning is within 10 miles of the field of play. An advisory was issued and a delay over an hour followed. 

The game started back up at 9:35 p.m. following some heavy showers and a series of lightning strikes. 

The Hawks added a second-half goal from Aleco Podias and held the Panthers scoreless the rest of the way to seal it.