CORTLAND, N.Y. -- In their season opener, the Dutchmen proved they can play with the best.  Union came up just short against the nation's second-ranked team, losing to SUNY Cortland, 7-6, in a nonconference game held at Stadium Red.

Richard Gregory scored three goals and Greg Mooney added a pair for Union (0-1), which rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the third quarter.  Pushing their transition game, the Dutchmen drew even at 6-6 with 8:43 left in regulation when Mooney whipped a shot from 15 yards out that beat Cortland goalkeeper Scott Tota to the stick side.

Cortland freshman Nate Beresovoy scored the game winner with his blast from 12 yards out that snuck just under the crossbar with 2:21 left.

Union had one last opportunity to tied the contest, but was called for a crease violation with 23 seconds left.

Despite being outshot, 50-24, Union's defense held steady and held the Red Dragons scoreless during the first quarter.  Stefan Basile finished with 18 saves for the Dutchmen.   Cortland (2-0) was led offensively by Nate Garbarino and Benjamin Dunlavey, who notched two goals apiece.

The Garnet and White return to action on Wednesday (March 5), traveling to SUNY Oneonta.