NEW PALTZ, N.Y. - The Union College men's soccer team faced SUNY New Paltz in both sides' 2021 season opener on Thursday at South Turf Field, coming 670 days since Union last played a collegiate game. The Hawks topped the Dutchmen with a final score of 3-0 on their home field. 

Kenneth Roby was the story of the game for New Paltz (1-0), as he scored all three goals for the home team. The final shot total for the afternoon was 12-2 Hawks, with New Paltz registering eight on frame. 

The Hawks tallied twice in the first half both coming from the foot of Roby just 23 seconds apart in the 25th minute. The first goal was on a volley from outside of the box that found the back of the net at 24:14, and the second was on a break down the sideline that resulted in a shot past junior goalkeeper Kenyon Pelletier at the 24:37 mark. Union College was outshot 9-0 in the first half, as Pelletier had four saves in the half. 

The Dutchmen brought the action to the Hawks in the second half and had continued possession for long stretches of the frame. Union had multiple corners but the visitors were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The tide shifted when Roby capped off the hat trick from the penalty spot in the 78th minute to complete the scoring. 

The Dutchmen look to turn things around on Sunday, when Union takes on New England College at 12pm.