Box Score GENEVA, N.Y.—Hobart first-year
Jacob Fox scored early in the first half paving the way for the Statesmen in a 2-0 win over visiting Skidmore in a Liberty League match played on Cozzens Field this afternoon.
Hobart improves to 6-2-0 and 2-1-0 in the Liberty League. The Statesmen served Skidmore (7-2-1, 3-1-0) its first loss in conference play and its second loss of the season. In addition, Hobart snapped a three-match win streak for the Thoroughbreds. The only other time Skidmore has been shutout this year was in a 0-0 double overtime tie with New Paltz back on Sept. 4.
Just 2:27 into the match, the Statesmen were able to capitalize on a defensive miscommunication by the Thoroughbreds. Fox was able to bounce the ball over the head of Skidmore goalie, Eli Kisselbach, and then followed up to place a shot into the back of the empty net to give Hobart a 1-0 lead. It was Fox's third goal this year.
In the 19th minute, the Thoroughbreds had a chance to score. Brock Bakewell put a hard header on goal from right in front. His header actually bounced off the ground first and then sailed just over the top of the crossbar.
In the 87th minute, senior
Alex Kittelberger sealed the victory for Hobart. Classmate
Will Abbott sent a long pass ahead to Kittelberger who broke through the defense for a one-on-one with the goalie. He sent a shot into the right side of the goal. Kittelberger leads the Statesmen with 11 points and five goals this season.
Skidmore came close to scoring again in the 62nd minute when Bakewell fired a shot on goal, but Hobart's sophomore goalie,
Mike Lucas, dove and pushed the ball just wide of the left post. The Thoroughbreds then earned a corner, but were unable to capitalize.
The Statesmen enjoyed a 19-7 lead in shots and a 6-3 edge in corners. Lucas stopped the only shot he faced to secure his fourth shutout of the season. Kisselbach played all 90 minutes in goal for Skidmore and made four saves.
Hobart will be back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 2, when it closes out its five-match homestand with a non-league game against Ithaca, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
