BROOKLYN --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College men's soccer opened their seven-match home schedule Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 setback to the SUNY Poly Wildcats (2-1-0) from Aviator Field in Brooklyn.  

Both teams traded shots in the opening minute and York tested Wildcat goalie James D'Alessio (2-1-0) with the game's first attempt on target as Hans Merilan's shot was blocked by the SUNY Poly defense.  The scoreless first half saw plenty of offensive opportunities with both teams launching four corner kicks while the Wildcats outshot York, 6-4.  

SUNY Poly capitalized on a foul in the box to set Jamar Gayle up for a penalty kick in the 58th to break the scoring ice for the game-winning goal.  Gayle would later help the Wildcats double their advantage in the 87th minute with a feed to Richie Morris at the top of the box for the long distance strike past Cardinal goalie Jasper McLoed (0-4-0).

York's shot production went down in the final 45 minutes with Doston Abdigaffarov sending its final attempt in the 78th minute before the Wildcats walked away with a 9-3
second-half edge.  In the end, both teams took five corner kicks while SUNY Poly outplayed the Cardinals in shots (15-7) and shots on goal (7-3).

McLeod turned away five shots while D'Alessio totaled three saves to claim victory for SUNY Poly.

The Cardinals (0-4-0) travel Wednesday (Sept.11) for a non-conference matchup against the Sarah Lawrence College Gryphons (1-2-0) at 7 p.m. from Fleming Field in Yonkers.

For the latest news on the Cardinals, log on to www.yorkathletics.com – the official site of York College athletics. Also, become a follower of the Cardinals on Instagram (@yorkcardinals) and Twitter (@yorkcardinals), and "LIKE" Us on Facebook (York Athletics).