Utica, NY — The #1 ranked MVCC Hawks Men's Soccer team suffered a tough 2-0 loss in their home opener against Cayuga Community College on Wednesday evening.

Cayuga wasted no time in making their mark on the game, with Matthew Manton scoring just 10 minutes into the match. Manton latched onto a direct kick from Owen Steedman, flicking a header over Hawks goalkeeper Leo Elsdon to give the Spartans an early 1-0 lead. In the 52nd minute, a defensive mishap led to a collision between a Hawk defender and Elsdon on a Cayuga cross. The loose ball fell to Joseph Edet, who blasted home the finish to extend the Spartan lead to 2-0.

"We didn't do well enough in crucial moments during the game today to get a result," stated Head Coach Dom DiMaggio. "It's growing pains; this one stings, but we will continue to grow and learn.It's an exciting group that will probably benefit from tonight in the long run."

Next up for the Hawks is a crucial road game against NJCAA D1 Powerhouse, Monroe University on Saturday, September 13 at 7pm. The Hawks then play local rival Onondaga Community College home on Sunday at 2:30PM.