Hobart soccer opened Liberty League play with a 2-0 loss to No. 24 St. Lawrence on Saturday afternoon at Sandy MacCallaster Field. The No. 14 Statesmen fell to 6-1-0 overall and 0-1-0 in conference play, while the Saints improved to 5-0-1 and 1-0-0.
St. Lawrence controlled much of the first half, holding a 10-2 advantage in shots before finally breaking through in the 35th minute. Sammy Bothwell pounced on a rebound inside the penalty area and placed his shot into the lower-left corner for his fifth goal of the season, with Eric Edmonds providing the assist.
Hobart goalkeeper Jake Hans kept the Statesmen within striking distance throughout the opening half. The junior made a career-high eight saves, including stops on Kenneth Mejia Lopez and Jack Buyers. St. Lawrence also hit the crossbar early when Baker Diaz sent a shot off the frame just 86 seconds into the contest.
Hobart came out with more pressure after halftime. Daniel Scali had a shot blocked in the 47th minute before Danny Spataro sent an attempt just wide one minute later. St. Lawrence goalkeeper Zach Amato then made a key play in the 52nd minute, punching a Scali shot over the crossbar.
The Saints doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute when Bothwell dropped a pass back to Dennis Argueta, who fired a shot into the upper-left corner for his first goal of the season.
Hobart continued looking for an opening late, but Quinn Phillips had two chances blocked by St. Lawrence defenders.
The Saints finished with a 20-13 edge in shots, while Hobart held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Hobart will close its three-game road trip Wednesday, September 23, against RIT. The Liberty League match is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.