HAMILTON, N.Y. — With 1:23 remaining in regulation Ethan Kutler scored his second goal of the day to propel Colgate over No. 19 American University, 2-1, in the opener game of the Patriot League season.

With the loss, AU men's soccer drops to 6-3 on the season and 0-1 in the PL.  Colgate improves to 4-2-1 overall and 1-0 in the league.

In what was a physical and chippy match that saw eight yellow cards assessed, AU finished with a 17-11 edge in shot and 6-1 in corner kicks.

The Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute on Liam Robley's third goal of the season. The National Collegiate Athletic Associations leader in assists regained a free kick that was blocked and found the back of the net on the left side.

AU had a chance to take a two-goal lead before the end of the half, but Colgate's keeper Ricky Brown stopped Jake Garcia and Robley late in the period.

Colgate gained momentum right off the bat in the second half as Kutler forced AU keeper Dylan Hobert to make a hard stop in the 54th minute.

Seconds later, Kutler found himself 12 yards out and successfully scored on a penalty kick to tie the game at one.
 
Joel Hart nearly retook the lead for AU in the 87th minute, but Ricky Brown made yet another tough save. On the ensuing possession, Kutler raced down the sidelines and beat Hobert to the left side to take the 2-1 lead.

AU will remain on the road for a midweek match at Princeton on Tuesday. The game will be seen nationally on ESPNU at 7 p.m. The Eagles return to Reeves Field on Saturday to host Boston University. The game will also be a celebration of the 1985 NCAA runner-up team.