SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Sophomore
Evan Riccelli converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute to lift the Skidmore College men's soccer team to a 1-0 shutout victory over Buffalo State in the 2026 season opener at Wachenheim Field on Tuesday afternoon.
The Thoroughbreds (1-0) largely controlled play throughout the match, generating several quality scoring opportunities while holding an 11-5 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in corner kicks over the Bengals (0-1), before finally breaking through in the second half when Riccelli capitalized from the penalty spot to take the lead.
Making his fourth career start in goal, junior
Rowan McLear finished with two saves to secure his third career victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Skidmore's first quality chance came in the 17th minute when freshman Matias Sampedro collected a deflection following a throw-in and fired an opportunistic shot on goal, but the attempt was stopped by the Bengals' keeper.
- In the 39th minute, junior Gavin Wheeler fired high on an open one-touch attempt from inside the box after first-year Keegan Maxwell delivered a well-placed header off a Skidmore throw-in from the corner.
- In the 43rd minute, Maxwell broke free down the right side on a pinpoint through ball, outracing the Buffalo State backline before sending a shot just wide of the net.
- At halftime, the Thoroughbreds held a 5-2 advantage on shot attempts and doubled the Bengals in corner kicks, 4-2.
- Early in the second half, McLear stepped up to make a great diving stop on a well-placed Buffalo State shot attempt in the 49th minute.
- In the 50th minute, senior Colin Goodhines nearly broke the scoreless tie when his strike on a free kick hit the right post following a Buffalo State yellow card in the Skidmore attacking third.
- The Thoroughbreds finally broke through in the 73rd minute after the Bengals committed a foul inside the box, setting up Riccelli to convert the ensuing penalty kick for the game-winning goal.
STANDOUT THOROUGHBREDS
- Riccelli's goal is the first of his career.
- McLear recorded his third career shutout.
- Maxwell led the team with a pair of shots on goal.
UP NEXT
The Thoroughbreds will head out for the road opener on Friday in a clash against Endicott. The start time is set for 7 PM.
