TROY, NY--Behind a pair of goals from junior Julian Coy, the Clarkson University Men's Soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to Rensselaer in the Liberty League conference opener Friday afternoon.

The Golden Knights, ranked 7th in the NY Region, fell to 4-2-1 overall and 0-1-0 in conference games, and will look to regroup at Vassar College on Saturday. RPI improved to 4-2-1 and 1-0-0. 

After a couple of good looks in the opening minutes, the Engineers got onto the scoreboard first. Zach Fane carried the ball down the near side and sent a cross into the middle. Beating out a defender, Coy launched the ball high toward the net as it sailed in over the fingertips of Clarkson goalie Scott Stuart (Ottawa, ONT) in the 8th minute.The Golden Knights began to establish a rhythm late in the half, but were unable to get many shots past the RPI defense. 

In the second half, RPI scored a pair of insurance goals to claim the victory. Coy netted his second goal of the game in the 59th minute, this time off a corner from Benjamin Poser. The Engineers scored their third goal of the contest just a few minutes later as Poser chipped a ball to Adam Updegrove, who tangled with a Clarkson defender from about 30-yards out. As they neared the goal, Stuart made his way out of the box, giving Updegrove the opportunity to break left and send the ball soaring into the open net.Despite a couple challenges on the ball in the closing minutes, Clarkson was unable to get any closer. Alex Penny picked up his fourth victory of the season and third shutout while Stuart finished with seven saves.