POTSDAM, N.Y. - The SUNY Potsdam men's soccer team defeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 1-0, Saturday afternoon at Maxcy Turf Field in what was an evenly matched contest for over 90 minutes. With the win, the Bears improve to 4-2-1, while the Engineers drop to 2-3-1.

With 1:22 to go in the first overtime, junior forward Alejandro Callejas (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) scored to give the Bears victory. The Engineers edged the Bears in shots (16-12) and corner kicks (7-2) but they weren't able to prevent overtime-winner.
 
The first forty-five minutes of action were back and forth, but ended in a scoreless tie. The teams were almost identical in first half stats with five fouls each, one save each, and the Engineers slightly outshooting the Bears 4-3. Both teams had good ball movement in the half, but denied opportunities on defense with great anticipation.
 
The Engineers best chance of the game came early in the second half when they received a penalty kick after a slide tackle from Potsdam. Junior forward Dylan Confair (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area) ripped the penalty off the crossbar and then got the rebound, but Mitchell was in position to smother the ball and keep the game even.

Potsdam's best chance of regulation came in the 57th minute, when junior midfielder Teddy Bruschini (Wilton, N.Y./South Glens Falls) had control of the ball in transition and fired just wide of the right side of the goal. Bruschini had several great attempts late in the half. Mitchell had another great save late when RPI junior forward Austin Betterly got a kick off but Mitchell deflected it with his head and the ball went wide.
 
Matt LaBranche had four saves for the Engineers, while Mitchell had seven for the Bears.
 
The Bears are now off until they host SUNY Geneseo to open SUNYAC play next Friday, September 21 at 4pm. RPI visits Keene State on Wednesday at 4pm.