First-year midfielder Hyler Isham of Keene Valley scored his first collegiate goal in the 12th minute after a well-placed corner kick from Riley King of Seneca Falls, found its way into a dangerous area. Maddox Johnson (Ellicotville, NY) was the first to touch it, directing it off the post and right to the feet of Isham, who had no problem finishing to put the Bobcats up 1-0.

“It was an unreal feeling, my first goal,” said Isham, “And it meant everything to help the team.”

Fresh off of his Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) and United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Men’s Division II Soccer Player of the Week honors last week, Nathan Wiley (Wareham, MA) then scored his seventh goal of the campaign to make it 2-0 Bobcats in the 26th minute.

The Knights would get one back as Henry Gibson broke through the back line in the 34th minute, but the Bobcat defense held fast and preserved the win with gritty determination and staunch defensive play in the second half. One of the standouts for the hosts was Seb Cecunjanin of Lake Placid, whose physical presence and hard-nosed play made it difficult for the visitors to get any good chances in the middle third.

Paul Smith’s College players Maddox Johnson, Seb Cecunjanin (6), Harrison Carlisto, Hyler Isham (7) and Nathan Wiley (10) celebrate during Wednesday’s game. (Provided photo — Paul Smith’s College/Mercedes Rideout)

“I feel like we did a good job switching from defense to offense and attacking the goal,” said Cecunjanin. “This will help us accomplish more in the conference run,” he added.

Goalkeeper Cazimir Couble (Spofford, NH) earned his fourth victory of the season with three saves.

Head coach Chris George spoke to the importance and impact of two conference wins in a row. “The conference wins are always the most important as they put us in a position to be where we want to be at the end of the season,” he said. “I thought we took some really big strides forward today — the score wasn’t reflective of how much great stuff we generated going forward,” he added.

The Bobcats move to 4-5 on the season and 2-0 in the YSCC. They have big non-conference game on Sunday, September 21st at 2pm as they take on SUNY ESF in the Barkeater Cup at home.

“The Barkeater Cup is super important and we’re really looking forward to having a great day and getting out there and showing our best,” remarked George.