WILKES-BARRE, Penn. -- The SUNY Potsdam men’s soccer team fell behind early to King’s College (2-1) and came up short with a late rally as the Bears dropped a 1-0 decision to the Monarchs.

King’s College controlled the play in the first half, putting heavy pressure on the road weary Potsdam defense. Despite their early advantage, the Monarchs found the net just once.

Monarch defender Tim Meyer got the contest’s lone goal in the 11th minute with a shot from the top of the box that deflected off a Bear and into the right corner of the net.

At halftime Potsdam Head Coach Adam Parker challenged his players to pick up their game and the Bears responded. “The guys played our best half this season,” said Parker.

“We had our chances in the second half, we just came up short.”

In the second half, Potsdam nearly tied the score when a shot by senior forward Bobby Kane (Glens Falls, N.Y./Glens Falls) hit the King’s College crossbar.

The final opportunity for the Bears came with about two minutes left as a redirection from a free kick sailed wide of the net.

In goal sophomore Joseph Glackin (Latham, N.Y./Shaker) made four saves for Potsdam.

The Bears (0-2) return to action Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. when they take on St. Joseph’s College (N.Y.).

Potsdam will face the Golden Eagles in the first round of the CIAO Classic on the campus of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass.