NEWARK, N.J. (September 7, 2008) – Freshman Peter Bednarsky scored his second career goal midway through the second half as the No. 6 Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team defeated SUNY New Paltz, 1-0 on Sunday afternoon in Newark, N.J. Sophomore Nolan Sandberg was credited with the assist on the game-winner, and sophomore Zach Carr earned the shutout in net. With the victory, the Ducks are the champions of the 2008 Scarlet Raiders Men's Soccer Classic.

Stevens (4-0) started sluggish in the first half as New Paltz controlled the tempo. Each team took five shots in the opening stanza but the Hawks out-cornered the Ducks 4-2, and Stevens struggled getting anything serious going on the offensive end. Carr played well in net in the first half as he made four saves.

The second half was a different story as Stevens turned up the pressure and quality of play. The Ducks ripped 11 shots and controlled the middle of the field. They were unable to capitalize until the 76th minute as Sandberg passed left from the middle of the box and the rookie Bednarsky pounded it home.

Both teams were whistled for 11 fouls in an intense second half as New Paltz (2-1-2) threatened late, but Carr was able to come up with a huge save in the final seconds. The sophomore finished the game with five saves and improved his individual record to 4-0.

Patrick Carlucci (Goshen, N.Y.) was in net for New Paltz. He made eight saves on 16 total shots but took the loss.

“We played very poorly in that first half but came back to play one of our better halves of the season to close the game,” said Stevens Head Coach Tim O'Donohue following the win. “It was encouraging to see the team bounce back and finish by playing well.”

The Ducks defense played well as they pitched their second shutout of the season. Senior tri-captain Jason Nachman was named the MVP of the tournament after keeping the Stevens back four together and under control for both games during the tournament.

“Nachman was definitely the most consistent player on the field this weekend as he did a great job keeping us together,” said O'Donohue.

In addition to Nachman, Carr, Sandberg, and junior back Chris Faustino were all named to the all-tournament team.

The Ducks will return to action on Wednesday night when they host No. 11 The College of New Jersey at 7:00 p.m. The game will be webcast live on www.Empire8.tv.