Cobleskill, N.Y. – The SUNY Cobleskill men's soccer team opened its 2025 season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Pratt Institute on Friday evening at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.

The Tigers capitalized on two long throw-ins to produce both goals in the season opener. Sophomore midfielder Andrew Rimes (Walden, N.Y./The Mount Academy) paced the attack with a goal and two shots on target, while junior forward Declan McCracken (South Kortright, N.Y.) netted his first of the year and added two shots. Junior defenders Samuel Spraker (Broadalbin-Perth, NY) and Rob Staubitz (East Rockaway, NY) both recorded an assist each.

In goal, junior Adam Champlin (South Kortright, NY) was strong between the posts, recording seven saves for an .875 save percentage, including several key stops that preserved the lead.
Pratt outshot Cobleskill 11-8, with an 8-4 edge in shots on frame, but the Tigers held advantages in saves (7-2) and corners (5-1).

Cobleskill struck first in the 8th minute when Samuel Spraker launched a long throw into the box that McCracken pounced on and finished at the back post for a 1-0 lead. Pratt answered in the 21st minute, leveling the score on a quick counterattack finished near post by Dylan Costa.

The Tigers came out of halftime pressing for a breakthrough, and they found it six minutes into the second half. Rob Staubitz hurled in a throw that Rimes collected and powered home for the eventual game-winner.

From there, Cobleskill's back line held firm, with strong play from Garrett Aikins (Morris, NY) Tyler Szarek (Westmoreland, NY), Staubitz, and Spraker. Though out the game, senior Spencer Reisman (Youngstown, NY/Lewiston Porter) and freshman Gavin McEnroe (Burlington Flats, NY/Edmeston) helped control the tempo and limit Pratt's chances down the stretch.

Up Next:
The Tigers return to the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex on Sunday, August 31, hosting Westfield State at 2 p.m. in a non-conference matchup.