Men's Soccer Wins 5-0 over Ulster; Willis scores Hat Trick

CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898 or 518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Thursday, September 6, 2018

Hudson Valley Community College men's soccer (2-2) put together a complete game in their 5-0 win on the road over Ulster on Thursday afternoon. 

The Vikings were led by freshman Ryan Willis (Petersburgh/Berlin) as he found his rhythm offensively, scoring three goals for his first career hat trick. Willis broke the scoreless tie at the 22-minute mark in the first half, giving the Vikings the 1-0 advantage. 

Michael Gosh (Guilderland/Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons) scored his first goal of his career with four minutes remaining in the first half and the Vikings took a 2-0 advantage into the half.

In the second half, the Vikings offense kept the pressure on Ulster's defense. Willis scored again at the 33 and 31-minute mark to extend the Vikings lead to 4-0. Willis finished the game with six shots and three shots on goal. Kiernan Hanley (Knox/Berne-Knox-Westerlo) followed up with his first goal of his career later in the second half, giving the Vikings their fifth and final goal of the game. 

Kyle Mercier (Glenville/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) earned the win as the Vikings starting goalkeeper and finished the game with a pair of saves. Ethan Samarija (Castleton/Maple Hill), Bryan Drossell (Greenville/Greenville) and Matthew Cummins (Troy/Lansingburgh) all recorded an assist in the win. 

The men's soccer team returns to action for their home opener on Saturday, September 8 when they welcome Clinton to Troy, NY. Game time is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.