SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—Potsdam used two second-half goals to secure a 2-0 non-conference win against the Skidmore College men's soccer team, Friday evening at Wachenheim Field.
 
The Thoroughbreds move to 1-1, while the Bears improve to 4-1.
 
The two teams traded offensive opportunities in the first half, but neither side was able to break the deadlock.
 
Potsdam had its best chance of the frame four minutes into the contest as Mario Riccardi drilled a dipping strike towards goal, but the ball dropped just over the crossbar.
 
Bears goalkeeper Jesse Kohler kept the score at 0-0 heading into half time after coming off his line to deny Kevin Santos' breakaway opportunity.
 
Potsdam struck quickly in the second half on Ben Firlit's fifth tally of the season. Matt Parsons received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box and pulled off a flick-backheeled pass to find Firlit alone in front of goal. Firlit made no mistake on the finish, tucking the ball inside the post for 1-0 lead.
 
The Thoroughbreds nearly equalized in the 60th minute, but Kohler managed to parry Nick Masiero's strike from the right wing out of play. On the ensuing corner Adebare Oyeniyi sent a header crashing off the crossbar after rising to meet Brennan Mitrolka's delivery.
 
The Bears answered back quickly, doubling their advantage in the 65th minute as Parsons unleashed a rocket into the top left corner from 25 yards.
 
Skidmore looked to rally late, but the Potsdam defense withheld the pressure, stifling the Thoroughbreds attack to hold on for the 2-0 win.
 
Skidmore outshot Potsdam 16-9 and had a 7-3 edge in corners. Derrick Yam made two saves in goal for the Thoroughbreds in his first start of the season, while Kohler finished with five saves.
 
Skidmore hosts SUNY Canton at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.