CORTLAND, N.Y. – Senior Nick Tata (Rochester/Aquinas Institute) converted a penalty kick early in the second half and Cortland held off late pressure by Clarkson to earn a 1-0 non-conference win over the Golden Knights in men's soccer Wednesday afternoon at Jets Field. The nationally 22nd-ranked Red Dragons improved to 5-0, and Clarkson dropped to 3-2-1.

Senior goalie Joe Brandofino (East Northport/Commack) made two saves to record his fourth shutout of the season for Cortland. Senior goalie Michael King (Verona, NJ) turned aside 11 shots for Clarkson.

The Red Dragons controlled much of the play in the opening 45 minutes, outshooting the Golden Knights, 14-2, but only put six shots on goal that were all denied by King.

Early pressure by Cortland in the second half led to a penalty kick in the 52nd minute after a Clarkson hand ball in the box on a shot by Red Dragon senior Tyler Kirschner (Dix Hills/Half Hollow Hills East). Tata buried the ensuing penalty kick into the left corner for his fifth goal in five games.

The lead remained safe throughout the majority of the second half until the Golden Knights pressed for the tying goal, creating their best chance in the 86th minute. After a corner kick for Clarkson, the ball was played deep into the box where freshman Matt Craw (Colonie) put a header on goal in a crowd. Brandofino made a sprawling save, and the ball was cleared away over the end line. The Red Dragons were able to protect the one-goal advantage in the final minutes to seal the victory. 
  
Cortland 1, Clarkson 0

Scoring Summary (Goals-Assists):
Clarkson: no scoring
Cortland: Nick Tata 1-0

Halftime: Cortland 0, Clarkson 0
Shots: Cortland 28, Clarkson 10
Corner Kicks: Clarkson 8, Cortland 7
Fouls: Cortland 9, Clarkson 7
Saves: Michael King (Clarkson) 11 (1 GA in 90:00); Joe Brandofino (Cortland) 2 (0 GA in 90:00)

Record after game: Cortland (Red Dragons) 5-0 (ranked 22nd nationally in Div. III), Clarkson (Golden Knights) 3-2-1