TROY, N.Y. – Senior goalkeeper Rob Kramer (Westport, Conn.) registered his 21st career shutout and helped lead the Dutchmen soccer squad (1-0-0) to a 1-0 season-opening victory against Rhode Island College (0-1-0) Friday at the Red Hawks Classic hosted by cross-town rival RPI. The victory edges Union head coach Jeff Guinn one win away from his 100th career victory.

 

Guinn, who is in his twelfth season at Union, currently holds a 99-78-15 record and is 9-1-1 all-time in season-openers.

 

Junior forward Jack Scott (Huntington, N.Y.) produced the game's lone goal at 24:21. The marker was the third of his career.

 

Scott threatened three minutes later but a defender stepped in front of his try and freshman midfielder freshman midfielder Kevan Bann (Ottawa, Ont.) first collegiate shot was denied by Rhode Island netminder Cory Rocha at 35:30.

 

Union kept threatening throughout and junior midfielder Kyle Riter (Rochester, N.Y.) nearly cashed in the 87th minute after a Dutchmen corner. Rocha made the save, his third and final of the evening.

 

Rhode Island created the first chance of the match, but Kramer was up the challenge, turning away junior Ryan Kelley's attempt early in the first half. The play led to a corner kick, which the Dutchman contained and regained possession.

 

Kramer also denied Brandon Migliore at 51:22 to preserve the shutout and improve his all-time record to 31-12-8.

 

 

The Dutchmen continue their play at the Red Hawk Classic on Saturday when they square off with Jersey City at 2 p.m.