Schenectady, NY (Oct. 22, 2004) Union's home-opener against Bowling Green was spoiled Friday evening as the Falcons handed the Dutchmen a 5-1 defeat at Messa Rink.  Turnovers and penalties hurt Union throughout the game as two of  Bowling Green's goals were scored on the power play and one shorthanded, off a giveaway.  The Dutchmen racked up 35 minutes on 12 penalties.  They outshot Bowling Green 38-24, but Jordan Sigalet kept Union off the scoreboard until the final two minutes when Jordan Webb (Nepean, ONT) registered the lone Dutchmen goal.

After Mike Falk scored the opening goal of the game at 10:08 of the first period, Jon Sitko netted the game-winner just over eight minutes later.  Bowling Green freshman Jonathan Matsumoto assisted on both goals.  He would later score his first collegiate goal at 8:40 in the third period to give his team a 4-0 advantage.

Ben Geelan extended the lead to five at 15:19 of the final frame with a shorthanded goal.  Union turned the puck over in the neutral zone and Geelen raced in uncontested on Union goaltender Kris Mayotte (Pittsburgh, PA), who did all he could to prevent the score.

Sigalet finally conceded a goal at 18:28 when Webb went top shelf over the senior netminder.  Webb sent a quick wrist shot under the crossbar after receiving a feed from Torren Delforte(Shortsville, NY).

A total of 21 penalties were called in this highly physical contest, including a five-minute major disqualification on Union's Scott Seney (Silver Spring, MD) at 13:21 in the third period for a hit from behind.  That was followed by another disqualification on Bowling Green's Bryan Dobek at 5:21 of the same period for a check from behind that sent Webb hard into the boards.  Dutchmen freshman Jake Schwan (Clifton Park, NY) was sent to the penalty box at the same time for roughing, as he came in to protect his captain.  Alex Foster got in on the action for the Falcons and took a two-minute breather as well, opposite Schwan.

Mayotte made 19 saves for Union as he suffered his third loss of the season. 

Union will look to settle the score tomorrow when they face Bowing Green in another 7:00 p.m. contest.