Box Score SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- The Skidmore Thoroughbreds downed the Sage Colleges Gators 2-1 in the team's home opener Friday. Skidmore improves to 1-2 on the season while Sage moves to 1-1-1.



Sophomore Adam Beek registered a goal and an assist for the Thoroughbreds and freshman Nick Masiero netted his first career goal. Eli Kisselbach made one save for his first win of the season and the 11th of his career.



The Thoroughbreds controlled the play in the early minutes, and Sophomore Tim Sullivan was denied the game's opening goal when his shot from 20 yards out was parried wide by Sage goalkeeper Tim Madden, who made five saves in the contest.



Skidmore continued to press and finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute as Beek ran onto a pass from Todd Jensen, fighting off his defender and sending a shot towards the far post. The initial save was made, but Masiero was alone in front to convert on the rebound.



The Thoroughbreds had the majority of the possession to start the second half, but Christian Pinti pulled the Gators even connecting on a half-volley from 10 yards out after Kyle LeClerc headed a cross from the left wing back across the front of goal.



Skidmore nearly regained the lead minutes after the Gators goal as Beek curled in a free kick from 35 yards out, but the ball was punched clear by Madden. Beek tallied the game-winning goal in the 63rd minute, cutting inside the Sage defender at the top left corner of the box and firing a shot inside the near post.



The win marks the first for head coach Jeremiah Kneeland at Skidmore.



The Thoroughbreds held a 10-7 advantage in shots and a 4-3 edge in corners. Skidmore returns to action at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, when it hosts the College at Old Westbury Panthers.