With a SUNYAC division title already under their belts, the Geneseo men's soccer team traveled to Buffalo State on Saturday, tying the Bengals 1-1 and failing to sweep their conference opponents.
The Knights scored early at 18:26 on a goal by freshman John Piaggione. It was Piaggione's first goal of the year, coming off a feed by sophomore Andy Marzo.
The Knights kept up the pressure but key saves by the Buffalo State keeper kept the Bengals in the game.
In the 41st minute, junior defender Joe Mort chested down a serve in the defensive penalty area and the referee called a questionable handball, giving the Bengals a penalty kick on which they scored and tied the game.
The rest of the game went scoreless, even with two overtimes. The Knights had plenty of chances to finish, but were unable to capitalize against the Bengals' defense. Senior goalie Jeremy Reeves had four saves to keep the Knights in the game.
The Knights are now 9-0-1 in the conference and 11-3-1 overall. They have the top seed in the SUNYAC tournament, and earned a bye in the first round.
"We are pretty confident going into the tournament," head coach Mike Mooney said. "We have played well and received great play from the starters and players who have come off the bench."
The Knights have two more away matches coming up against non-conference opponents St. John Fisher and Hamilton College.
After Hamilton, the Knights will have five days to rest up and get ready, thanks to the first round bye in the SUNYAC tournament.
"That should be more than enough rest for the team," said Mooney. "Hopefully we will have everyone back healthy." Mooney is hoping to get back defender Jeff Rahmlow, who missed the Buffalo State game due to injury. "He has done a very nice job in the defender role this season," Mooney said.
The Knights look to close out the regular season with one more win when they travel to Hamilton College for a 12:00 p.m. game this Saturday. [Editor's note: The Knights tied St. John Fisher on Wednesday night, 1-1, and have an 11-3-2 record on the season.]