ONEONTA, N.Y. – The College at Brockport Men's Soccer team had a difficult time getting much going offensively during the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championship game Saturday afternoon, falling 3-0 to the No. 1 seed Red Dragons of Oneonta.
Brockport (12-4-2 Overall) was outshot during the contest 21-5 with only a single shot on net. Twelve of Oneonta's 21 shots came in the first half as the Golden Eagles were on the defensive from the start of the action.
With a Red Dragon attacking in the 11th minute of play Justin Mercer made an incredibly daring slide in the Brockport keeper's box successfully stealing the ball and the scoring attempt away to detonate an early chance for Oneonta.
In the 21st minute Oneonta sent a dangerous crossing ball searching for a Red Dragon head but before the ball could connect, Casey Sullivan elevated to punch the ball out of harm's way. Moments later the Red Dragons attacked again sending the ball into the box. The ball rolled from far post searching for an attacking Red Dragon on the far post but Sullivan sacrificed his body and laid out collecting the ball before Oneonta could redirect it.
However the Golden Eagles were unable to hold off the Red Dragons much longer as Oneonta took the 1-0 lead in the 27th minute of play.
"Oneonta played extremely well making it very difficult for us to attack," said Brockport head coach Gary LaPietra. "Justin Mercer and Chase Crawley had outstanding games. Although I'm disappointed with today's results, I'm very proud of the team's efforts all season."
Sullivan finished the game with seven saves in 83 minutes of play before senior Shane Bly took over for the Brockport all-time career shutouts record holder.
Chris Aherne, Mercer and Crawley all earned 2015 Men's Soccer All-Tournament team recognition for their spectacular play during the SUNYAC playoffs.
Brockport's season has come to a conclusion unless selected during the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Selection Show. The show is scheduled to air here Monday Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the "Brockport Golden Eagles" on Facebook.
