Behind a solid defensive effort and a pair of timely goals, the Clarkson University Men’s Soccer team opened the 2004 campaign with a 2-0 victory over cross-town rival Potsdam State Wednesday afternoon at Clarkson Field.
“I thought we played very well defensively, especially in the first half,” said Clarkson coach Willi Steinrotter. “Offensively we created more chances than we did in most of our games last year and we finished on a couple. We saw plenty of positive play. Our young players did some good things for us.”
The Golden Knights’ top two offensive threats combined on the first goal of the game when sophomore Justin Crowley (Central Square, NY) scored off a quick shot from the top of the box after taking a crossing pass from classmate Ismael Mohammad (Rochester, NY) at 16:11.
Clarkson dominated play for most of the opening 45 minutes, out shooting the Bears 11-1 in the first half. Potsdam established more of an offensive attack in the second half, with nine shots, but with just under two minutes left in regulation, senior Mark Bahr (Rome, NY) connected for his first collegiate goal, scoring on a low shot from 20 yards out after taking a pass from classmate Jason Mayerhofer (West Babylon, NY), to seal the victory.
Sophomore David Hennessey (Wading River, NY) benefited from the Green and Gold’s stingy defensive play and was called upon to make just one save to post his fourth career shutout.
Clarkson out shot Potsdam (0-1) 22-10 and controlled corner kicks, 5-2.
The Knights are back in action this weekend when they host Frostburg State in the opening round of the Doug May LOTTO Tournament on Saturday, at 4:00 p.m.
