In a closely contested matchup, the Bard College men's soccer team fell 2-1 to SUNY Morrisville on Saturday, despite a thrilling equalizer from Mateo Betelu and standout defensive play throughout the match.

The game kicked off with both sides grappling for control, neither team giving an inch. Bard gradually gained momentum, pushing deep into Morrisville's half. The Raptors fired off two early shots, with Devon Green and Ben Steketee testing the Mustangs' defense. As the pressure mounted, Bard earned a penalty kick, only to have Emmett Olson's attempt thwarted by the Morrisville keeper.

Late in the first half, the Mustangs capitalized on a counterattack, sneaking in a goal to take a 1-0 lead. Bard wasn't deterred, though, as Robbie Boyd unleashed a powerful shot before halftime, signaling the Raptors' determination. Bard outshot Morrisville 7-3 in the opening half, but the scoreboard didn't reflect their dominance.

Coming out of the break with renewed determination, the Raptors wasted no time. Within seven minutes, a well-crafted passing sequence from Steketee to Jamie Coequyt set up Mateo Betelu for the equalizer, electrifying the Raptors and bringing Bard back into the contest at 1-1.

The intensity escalated as both teams were hungry for the game winning goal. Bard created several dangerous chances, with Olson, Frankie Perera-Modica, and Green launching shots that kept Morrisville on their heels. Yet, the elusive second goal remained just out of reach.

In the final four minutes, fate turned against the Raptors. A foul in the box awarded Morrisville a penalty, and the Mustangs converted, snatching the win. Despite Bard's relentless efforts, the clock ran out with SUNY Morrisville edging out the hard-fought win.

Bard finished the match leading in shots (14-7) and corner kicks (7-1), with goalkeepers Will Beane-Rosenberg and Julian Landau each recording one key save a piece in the contest.

Bard will look to bounce back when they head to RPI in their Liberty League opener on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.