August 31, 2002

GENEVA, N.Y. – The Hobart College soccer team did not open the season like they wanted to, losing to the Geneseo Knights 2-1. An evenly fought battle, the Statesmen were never able to establish a rhythm to their play.

Geneseo struck first on a direct kick in the 37th minute by Mark Bellavia (Aquinas/Aquinas, N.Y.). Bending the ball around the wall, Bellavia hit side netting giving Hobart goalie Cory Rosier (Liverpool/Liverpool, N.Y.) no chance to make the save.

Down 1-0 at halftime, the Statesmen looked to generate more offense in the second half with only six shots on goal in the opening period. In the 58th minute, Ramez Ghaly (Christian Brothers Academy/Syracuse, N.Y.) served the ball to a streaking Ricky Klotz (Homer/Cortland, N.Y.) who headed it over the keeper into the left corner of the goal.

Hobart was unable to maintain the lead giving up a corner kick in the 64th minute. The Knights’ Adam Gloo (Orchard Park/Orchard Park, N.Y.) hit the service from Scott Donnelly (Amherst/Amherst, N.Y.) solidly deflecting it off a teammate for what proved to be the game winner.

The game was even fought as both Hobart and Geneseo finished with 17 and 16 shots, respectively. Rosier came up with five saves on the afternoon, while the Knights keeper, Chris Stock (Penfield/Penfield, N.Y.) made 8 stops.

Hobart’s next game is Sept. 7, at 2:30 p.m., against Keene State in the Diadora Soccer Showdown at Keene.