ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – The Bard men's soccer team battled hard against the nationally ranked Hobart on Saturday afternoon at Lorenzo Ferrari Field but fell 1-0. 

Despite not scoring a goal, the Raptors outplayed the Statesmen in the shots category (11-9), saves (5-4) and corners (3-2).

Mateo Betelu took the Raptors opening shot 11:34 into the match, and the next two shots were taken by Mikhail O'Garro. Henry Skeltis had the first shot on goal for Bard, a deep try from just across midfield that had enough distance but was caught by Hobart's goalkeeper. Skeltis also had a magnificent defensive play, heading away a dangerous shot at the 31:22 mark to keep the game at 0-0.

In the second half, Betelu generated a corner off a two-on-three breakaway opportunity just over two minutes in. However, Hobart's defense held. With 37:35 remaining in the match, Brandon Alchy attempted a shot from just outside of the box after a defensive header deflected to him. His one-hopper forced the Statesmen's goalkeeper to make a diving save. About four minutes later, Hobart scored the lone goal of the game. In the 67th minute, Luca Costanzo, fresh off an appearance on the Liberty League Honor Roll, flashed off his skills on attack before dishing the ball off to Pape Davidson. Davidson had a step on his defender, so he took a shot from the right side that was saved.

Julian Landau played the first half in goal, making three saves, while Jake Sudit filled in for the remaining 45 minutes, making one save. Skeltis, Alchy, Zac Sparacio, Aiden Trapp, and Emmett Olson played the entire 90 minutes.

Bard will head to Vassar on Wednesday for a 4 p.m. kick off.