GENEVA, N.Y.—Freshman center back Ben Poole scored his second game-winning goal in as many games to lift the Skidmore College men's soccer team to a 1-0 win at #10 Hobart in the Liberty League semifinal on Tuesday afternoon Cozzens Field.
 
The Thoroughbreds, who defeated Hobart for the second time this season, improve to 11-5-1, while the Statesmen fall to 13-3-2.
 
Hobart entered Tuesday's contest 8-0 at home and on a seven game win streak. With the win, Skidmore advances to its second Liberty League Tournament championship game in three seasons. The Thoroughbreds will take on the winner of Wednesday's game between top-seeded St. Lawrence and fourth seed Union. The championship will be played at the highest remaining seed on Saturday, Nov. 7.
  
The Statesmen held the momentum in the first half, outshooting the Thoroughbreds 6-3. One of Hobart's best scoring chances came with 20 minutes left in the first half. Derrick Acheampong came streaking into the box for a one-on-one with the keeper, but Skidmore goalkeeper Eli Kisselbach was there to dive on top of the ball before Acheampong could get his shot off.
 
Skidmore came out strong in the second half, finally breaking through in the 51st minute. Freshman defender Ben Caples lofted a throw in from the far right corner into the box. Poole was first to the loose ball and his touch bounced up to the crossbar and fell over the goal line. The assist was Caples' eighth of the season.

The Thoroughbreds appeared to have doubled their lead with 29:43 remaining, but Augustine Okoye's goal was whistled offsides.
 
With 27:47 remaining and after another deep throw in for Caples, Todd Jensen put a header on goal, but Hobart's senior goalie Tyler Serafine made the save to keep the Statesmen within one.
 
Hobart came close to equalizing with 26 minutes left in regulation, but Kisselbach made a quick reaction save to deny Joseph Escamilla's headed attempt at goal and preserve his ninth shutout of the season, setting a program single-season record.
 
Each team finished with 11 shots, while the Thoroughbreds held a 3-2 edge in corners. Kisselbach made three saves on the day, while Serafine made five saves for Hobart.