GENESEO, N.Y. – SUNY Geneseo sophomore midfielder John Leva scored the game-winning goal to lead the Knights past host Buffalo State, 2-1, and to the team's first State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) victory, Saturday.

"Our work rate is what really made the difference in today's game. We worked really hard, won a ton of balls and slowly the game turned in our favor," said head coach Dominic Oliveri. "We didn't get off to a good start but when our bench players came in they battled, worked hard and kept us in the game. While we created quality offensive opportunities, we still struggled to finish the ball and that's something we will have to work on because we know our chances will be limited as we continue to take on strong opponents in conference play."

The Bengals (2-7, 0-2) got on the scoreboard three minutes into the game when sophomore forward Joe Vucic scored into the top right corner after a pass through the middle of Geneseo's defense from senior midfielder Francesco Cardillo.

The Knights tied the score at one in the 50th minute when junior back Brad Campion headed the ball into the back of the net off of a corner kick from sophomore midfielder Alex Clar.

In the 81st minute, Leva tallied his first goal of the season after he collected a deflection off of a Buffalo State defender and hit a shot into the top left corner of the net to put Geneseo up, 2-1.

Junior keeper Logan Calvey collected two saves as the team outshot the Bengals, 16-8.

The Knights (4-4-1, 1-1) have a short break before returning to action Tuesday afternoon for a non-conference match-up at Nazareth slated to begin at 4:30 p.m.