NEWBURGH, N.Y. – With fast-paced action right from the opening whistle, the Vassar College men's soccer team defeated Mount Saint Mary College, 2-0, in a non-conference game Sunday at Kaplan Field. The Knights fall to 0-5 on the season, while the Brewers improve to 3-2.

Vassar wasted no time in getting on the board, as freshman Evan Seltzer (Philadelphia, Pa.) found the back of the net for his third goal of the season. A low shot to the far post from senior Ben Scaglione (Elizabethtown, N.Y.) glanced off the fingers of the diving goalkeeper, allowing Seltzer to put home an easy rebound goal.

While the Brewers controlled the play for the opening twenty-five minutes, the Mount came on strong in the final twenty minutes of the first half and were able to carry their momentum into the early minutes of the second stanza. Sophomore Ryan Folken (Centereach, N.Y.) tested the Vassar keeper with a long attempt in the 51st minute, but sophomore Gary Clauss (Colchester, Conn.) tipped the ball harmlessly over the top of the goal.

Vassar found insurance in the 56th minute on a tic-tac-toe play in the offensive third. Sophomore Zander Mrlik (San Francisco, Calif.) moved forward and passed to sophomore Noah Michelon (Laguna Beach, Calif.), who used his chest to bump the ball down to the foot of freshman Ethan Hallberg (Hong Kong). With space in the box, Hallberg drilled a perfect shot to beat the keeper and make the score 2-0.

Freshman goalkeeper Ron Bonilla (White Plains, N.Y.) made six saves for the Knights and scrambled well on several occasions to keep the deficit manageable. Clauss made two saves to earn the victory for the Brewers.

Folken and sophomore Kevin Ryan (Bay Shore, N.Y.) were tested at the back for most of the afternoon and responded well. Freshman Brandon Mincher (Bayport, N.Y.) continued to play well in the midfield.

Up next for Mount Saint Mary is a date with Centenary College. The Knights will take on the Cyclones at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15. Vassar will host Bard on the same day at 5:00 p.m.