TROY -- RPI (3-1-1) scored three first half goals to defeat the SUNY Potsdam men’s soccer team 3-0 on Friday night.

Alex Dotseth scored the game-winning goal and assisted on another to lead the Engineers. Neither team created many chances in the first half, but RPI scored three goals on just six shots.

Dotseth wasted no time, striking for the only goal the Engineers would need just 4:32 into the contest with an assist from Matt Koliopolis.

Twelve minutes later, Dotseth reversed roles, setting up Matt Koziol for a 2-0 RPI advantage.

In the 34th minute, Julian Coy netted the game’s final marker with a helper from Zach Fane.

The Bears actually outshot the Engineers 7-6 in the half, but were shut down by the RPI defense and goalkeeper Craig Bennett. Potsdam turned up the pressure in the second half.

The Bears widened their shot advantage to 5-2, but still were unable to get on the board. With a comfortable lead, RPI cruised though the final period for the 3-0 victory.

Bennett made four saves in the first 76:10 and Rob Dewald stopped one shot in the final 13:50. Potsdam junior goalie Jake Gyder (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) made two saves in his second career start. Bears Head Coach Adam Parker admitted it was mistakes that made the difference in the outcome.

“They got behind our defense three times and the chances were too easy for them to miss,” said Parker. “Once they were ahead they never had to raise their level of play. We did compete in the second half and we did a lot of good things, but it’s tough to win when you fall behind so early.”

The Bears (3-2-1) have a day off before they travel to Rochester to take on St. John Fisher.