HAMBURG, N.Y. – After an early and unexpected goal in the 4th minute, the Hilbert College men's soccer team played catch-up the rest of the game. 

The Hawks suffered a 2-1 home-opener setback to Elmira this afternoon.

Matthew Barth was persistent and stayed after the ball delivered into the box by Anthony Pellicano in the second half and evened the score at 1-1 but the Soaring Eagles elevated their offense, striking again in the 74th minute for the win.

"Elmira scored early and we tried to come back.  We pushed during the rest of the first half and our effort was rewarded in the second period," said coach Selim Talbi.  "I believe we could have managed the 10 minutes after our goal with more confidence and continue to push forward.  Elmira took the lead back during a period we were off.  The team needs to recognize those difficult moments and stay strong together."

Four of Elmira's shots were blocked by the Hawks' defenders who played strong not shying away from contact.  As well, two Soaring Eagles shots hit the post which reduced Ryan Valentine's save total to five.

Twice Valentine was in the hot seat with expectations of stopping PK's which were awarded because of fouls in the box.

Elmira scored on the first attempt and Valentine stopped the second shot in the game's 81st minute.

11 different Hawks were credited with shots this afternoon with Nicolas Rodriguez, Travis Hicks and Wade Bergum forcing a keeper-save.

Talbi closed with this, "we need to play 90 minutes and not periods of 20 to 25 minutes.  I am happy the team had the capacity to equalize the game and I am confident that this team has the quality and energy to bounce back in time for conference play."

The Hawks return to the field this Tuesday for their 5:15 pm game against Thiel College.