SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Marco Perugini's 12th minute goal would be the only one scored in Union's Liberty League opener with Vassar Saturday afternoon at College Park Field, giving the Garnet Chargers the 1-0 victory to kick off their 2023 conference slate.
 
Perugini's third goal of the season was all about being in the right place at the right time. From just behind midfield, Evan Perry would send a pass down the right sideline for an unmarked Robbie Michalski to chase. Michalski would gather on the run, and after making a run towards goal, his final touch to get past the left back would get away. Vassar's goalie came off his line to make a dive at the ball, but Michalski would slide in and deliver a perfect pass to Perugini to tuck in the back of the net.
 
Union would do a good job of defending their lead the rest of the way. Vassar put together a number of dynamic runs throughout the contest, but the Brewers were only able to manage six shots (compared to Union's eight), with only two on net- one saved by Garnet Chargers goalkeeper Paul Agne, and the other saved by Justin Ely, protecting the net after Agne came off his line to play a free kick lofted into the box. 
 
The victory kicks off league play in a big way for the Garnet Chargers after Vassar went undefeated in Liberty League action last season, finished second with a 5-0-4 conference record, and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The win marks Union's first victory against Vassar since October 29th, 2015, and their first 1-0 victory since October 29th, 2019, when Union defeated Russell Sage by the same score.
 
Union's next contest will be their final non-conference game on the road, as the Garnet Chargers will head to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Tuesday to face off with Moravian. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM.