Men's Soccer Falls Short vs. Old Westbury

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The SUNY Old Westbury men's soccer team held off a late charge to secure a 2-1 victory over Mitchell College on Saturday afternoon in non-conference action at Alumni Field.

The Panthers (2-2-1 overall) built a 2-0 lead behind a first-half goal from Ronald Monge and a second-half tally by Jorey Garcia. Old Westbury needed the insurance marker as Mitchell scored late on a shot by Andrew Storton to cut the deficit in half. The Mariners pressed for the equalizer in the final moments but never got off a shot.

Old Westbury got on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute when Monge picked off a pass on the Mitchell back line and dribbled in for a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper. His shot found the back of the net for his third goal of the season and a 1-0 lead that the Panthers took into intermission.

Old Westbury added to the margin in the 75th minute when Garcia capitalized on a golden opportunity. A Mitchell defender played a ball back to the keeper for a clear, but the attempt resulted in a loose ball inside the box. Garcia, who was pressuring the keeper on the play, jumped on the ball and poked a shot into the open net for his third goal of the season.

Mitchell fought back and cut into the deficit in the 86th minute. Jarron Walter advanced the ball down the left side of the field before serving up a centering pass from just outside the box. Storton volleyed the ball out of mid-air with his right foot and snuck the shot inside the far post for his second goal of the season.

Mike Warren picked up the save in goal for the Panthers and made one save. Seth Strader stopped four shots for the Mariners.

Mitchell (0-3-1 overall) will next play at Albertus Magnus College on Tuesday, September 19 at 6 p.m. Old Westbury returns to action at Ramapo College on Wednesday, September 20 at 4 p.m.