KEENE, N.H. — The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's soccer team was narrowly defeated by Keene State College, 2-1, tonight at the Owl Athletic Complex.

RPI struck first in the 13th minute when Matt Schlotterback finished a well-placed corner from Owen Schnur to give the Engineers a 1-0 advantage. It was Schlotterback's first goal of the season.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Keene State responded just four minutes later. Jack DiGiovanni connected on a shot from the top of the box, set up by a feed from Dorian Wilczynski, knotting the game at 1-1.

RPI generated numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match, outshooting the Owls 13-10 and earning a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks. Despite the offensive pressure, Keene State's defense held strong. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when Pierpaolo Cosmo Galardo netted the game-winner for the Owls.

Goalkeeper Noah Churchill finished with one save for the Engineers. Schlotterback and fellow backs Owen Filler, Kedy Nana, and Shiloh Brown anchored a defensive group that held Keene State to just three shots on goal.

RPI will look to bounce back on Saturday with a 4:00 pm home matchup with Oswego State. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm in ECAV Stadium.