TROY, N.Y. – Behind a pair of goals from junior Julian Coy (Bristow, VA/Brentsville District), the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's soccer team defeated Clarkson University, 3-0, in the Liberty League opener for both squads. The victory, which also marked the first home game of the season for RPI, brings the Engineers record to 4-2-1. The Golden Knights are also 4-2-1 on the year.

After a couple of good looks in the opening minutes, the homestanding Engineers got onto the scoreboard first as Coy tallied his first of the season. Sophomore Zach Fane (Troy, NY/Lansingburgh) earned the assist after he carried the ball down the near side and sent a cross into the middle. Beating out a defender, Coy launched the ball high toward the net as it sailed in over the fingertips of Clarkson goalie Scott Stuart (Ottawa, ON/All Saints Catholic) in the 8th minute.

Rensselaer, which held a 7-2 advantage in shots in the opening 45 minutes, had several other looks in the half, but was unable to capitalize. The Golden Knights began to establish a rhythm late in the half, yet could not get past the RPI defense, which allowed no shots on keeper Alex Penny (Northport, NY/Northport).

The Engineers continued to dominate in the second half as Coy netted his second of the game in the 59th minute. Off a corner by senior Benjamin Poser (Scotts Valley, CA/Scotts Valley), Coy got underneath and headed the ball into the top right corner of the net.

RPI continued to attack following the goal and it paid off as sophomore Adam Updegrove (Carson City, NV/Carson City) scored just three minutes later. Poser earned his second assist of the day after he chipped a nice ball up to Updegrove, who tangled with a Golden Knights defender from about 30-yards out. As they neared the goal, Stuart made his way out of the box, giving Updegrove the opportunity to break left and send the ball soaring into the open net.

Despite a couple challenges on the ball in the closing minutes, Clarkson was unable to get any closer, putting up just one shot on goal to RPI's 10 shots. Penny picked up his fourth victory of the season and third shutout to improve to 4-2-1. Stuart finished with seven saves in the loss and is also 4-2-1.

Rensselaer returns to action on Saturday, hosting St. Lawrence on Renwyck Field. Clarkson travels to Poughkeepsie tomorrow to take on Vassar. Both games begin at 2pm.