DELHI, N.Y. (September 1, 2021) – SUNY Delhi men's soccer took center stage on campus Wednesday for their season-opening game against non-conference Utica. While the game itself produced a defensive match in favor of the Pioneers 1-0, history will mark it down as SUNY Delhi's first home contest as full-time NCAA Division III members; the college was approved for full membership earlier this summer, which went into effect today.

Utica picked up the lone goal at the 22:41 mark when Brady Maloney headed in a free kick from Cody Green. The Pioneers, who outshot the Broncos 28-8, had plenty of opportunities to add to their lead, but Delhi keeper John Walch's brilliance in goal kept the home team in the game with an impressive ten saves, with help from his defense that collected two team saves. The Broncos were on the attack in the second half, registering seven of their shots in the latter session, but not even some late corner-kick opportunities and close-range shots could produce the needed equalizer.

Wednesday's match also marked the first game for new head coach EJ Reutemann. "As a staff we are really proud of the players for their effort today," expressed Reutemann. "They rose to the occasion on a very challenging and momentous day for the institution. We are excited to take the field together again next week."

The Broncos have a week until their next match when they welcome SUNY ESF for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff on Wednesday, Sept. 8.