Hobart soccer remained perfect to begin the season, scoring twice after halftime to defeat Utica 2-1 on a wet and rainy Wednesday afternoon at Cozzens Field.
The Statesmen improved to 4-0-0, matching their start from a season ago. Senior Joe Pariano and junior Will Slayton provided the goals, while sophomore Finn Connaughton made his first collegiate start in goal and finished with four saves over 90 minutes.
Hobart controlled play throughout the opening half, generating an 11-1 advantage in shots. Senior Quinn Phillips created the first dangerous chance in the 12th minute, but Utica goalkeeper Zachary Accetta turned away his attempt. Danny Spataro’s follow-up was then blocked by a defender.
Slayton came close to breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute when his shot following a corner kick was cleared off the line by a Utica defender.
The Statesmen quickly increased the pressure after halftime. Just over a minute into the second half, Keegan Mulrooney forced a save from Asim Gacic. Pariano then struck the crossbar on a penalty kick shortly afterward.
Hobart finally broke through in the 48th minute. Pariano collected a drop pass from sophomore Tommy Broderick and chipped a left-footed shot into the right corner for his first goal of the season.
FRESH TAKES: 2026 NFL Preview (podcast) Slayton added an insurance goal in the 80th minute, heading home a cross from senior Will Redman off a corner kick. Junior Griffin Coutts also recorded an assist, extending his point streak to four games.
Utica’s Mason Bucher scored with 75 seconds remaining, but Hobart held on.
The Statesmen finished with a 24-6 advantage in shots and an 11-3 edge in corner kicks.
Hobart returns Saturday, September 12, hosting Rochester at 2 p.m. as part of alumni weekend.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.