HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's soccer team outlasted the Wildcats from Cazenovia today and won their home and season opener 2-1 in 2OT.    

Nicholas Clay grabbed his first game winning goal at Hilbert and led the celebration at midfield after the exhausting match was officially over. 

Both team played through stifling conditions and were provided multiple water breaks as the air temperature (high 80's) and full sunshine on the field was physically and mentally draining to all the players who lasted into the final OT period.

Jonathan Davison got the Hawks on the board early off a nice touch pass through the middle of the box from Matthew Barth in the 4th minute.  Davison found himself alone in the box again but his diving header off a corner almost broke the cross bar and bounced over the top in the 15th minute.

Cazenovia's Jordan Davis unleashed a hard shot to the upper 90 over Ryan Valentine's outstretched hands to knot the game at 1-1 just before half time.

Neither team had great looks at the frame the entire second period, as play was physical through the midfield most of the 45-minutes.

At the end of regulation, Hilbert held a 2 shot and 1 save advantage over Cazenovia.  The Wildcats earned 10 corners to Hilbert's five but Hilbert was whistled for four more off-sides than the visitors.

Play was tight in the first ten minute overtime period before the game went into the final session.

Cazenovia had what looked like a game-winning break away before Austin Mathis snuck in and poked the ball out of bounds in front of his bench.  A few trips back up the field, Davison pushed hard for a one-on-one look at the frame, but Tim Nicholls from Cazenovia broke up the lumbering scorer and tossed the ball back up the field into play.

Cazenovia had Hilbert on the rocks in the 105th minute with two back-to back shots in the box.  Ryan Valentine made a save but bounced the first shot back into play and to the foot of another Wildcat who went high, but hit the cross bar.  That ball was still in play until the visitors were called for off-sides.

Two minutes later, Hilbert took their second corner kick of the period and Austin Mathis and Clay connected for the game winner at 107:31

Ryan Valentine finished with five saves and Davison led all players with six shots today.

Hilbert (1-0) returns to action - after they hydrate from today's game – on September 9.  They will travel to Alfred University for a night game under the lights that kicks-off at 7pm.