Bobcats Handle Crosstown Saints in Exhibition Season Opener

Saranac Lake, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College men's soccer team started their season with a win against North Country Community College, beating the Saints 2-0 in front of a healthy crowd on a beautiful Friday night in August.

The result was the same as last season's first game for the Bobcats as they open their season with a win on the road at NCCC.  The score, however, was much closer this time as the Saints have added plenty of skilled first-year players who did much better than last year's 14-0 drubbing.

"It's great to be back again," said men's soccer head coach Chris George, who is coming off of Coaching Staff of the Year accolades.  The Bobcats enjoyed monumental success last season as they advanced to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Men's Division II National Tournament for the first time in their history. 

Coach George commented on the turnaround of the NCCC team while complimenting his squad on their first win.  "It was fun to play against a vastly improved North Country (Community College) team.  It was a gritty game - our kind of soccer.  Hats off to our guys for a job well done."

The Bobcats also feature a healthy number of newcomers balanced with players from last year's team who catalyzed the program's newfound success on the pitch.  One of those new players is Maddox Johnson (Ellicotville, NY) who delivered an impressive performance, scoring a brace in his first collegiate matchup.

"I'm very happy to start off the season on a high note and cannot wait for more to come with the team," said Johnson.

The Bobcats outshot the Saints 12-9, but shots on target were heavily lopsided (10-2) as the visitors seemed to control the middle of the field quite well.  Junior midfielder Liam Curthoys (Rhinebeck, NY), on the heals of his First Team All American honors last season, provided multiple stellar services, including an assist on Johnson's first goal in the 9th minute.  

Johnson would score his second of the game less than a minute into the second half on another terrific through ball, this time from fellow first-year player Kyle Robinson (Great Valley, NY).  Johnson and Robinson came to PSC together after playing their high school soccer for the Ellicotville Eagles.

On the back end, senior defender Kagan Hance (Chester, VT) was steadfast, using his physicality and presence to shut down attacks before they happened.

"Overall we played well," said Hance.  "As a first game I'm happy where we are, but we have a long way to go.  North Country (Community College) was a great test of how gritty we are as a team," he added.

The Bobcats move to 1-0 on the season, and will play their home opener on Wednesday, August 27th at 7pm against USCAA Division I Bryant & Stratton Albany in an all-Bobcat competition.

You can follow the men's soccer team on Instagram at @paulsmithsmsoc or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for scores, highlights, pictures, and much more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.