The Oswego State women’s soccer team suffered a pair of 1-0 losses against SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Oneonta this weekend.
After the Oneonta game, Oswego State head coach Brian McGrane said he was pleased with his team’s effort.
“I thought we played very well Friday against Oneonta,” McGrane said. “We were composed on the ball. Played with energy and it showed. We had chances to finish and didn’t capitalize where Oneonta had the same and were able to finish one of their chances. We were disappointed with the result, but I was very pleased with how we played.”
The Lakers were anxious to come out Saturday and get a win, and it seemed as though they had a good chance during the game. The New Paltz Hawks (7-2-0, 1-1-0 SUNYAC) were able to break the tie against the Lakers following sophomore midfielder Bryce Kristall’s beautiful pass to Samantha Abravanel. It was Abravanel’s fourth game-winning goal this season.
Oswego State was outshot 18-4, including 13 shots on net by New Paltz. The Lakers could not find a way to get the ball past New Paltz freshman goalkeeper Krysten Kane, who made critical saves when she needed to and picked up her second win and shutout of the 2012 season.
Oswego State goalie Emily Varonier was terrific as well, keeping the Lakers in the game throughout, and giving them a chance to win until the end.
Oswego’s junior midfielder Allegra Uva, who made a kick save in front of the net in minute 24, led the Laker’s defense. Although the game went to the half-scoreless, the Hawks controlled the possession in the latter stages of the half.
As the second half began, the tempo of the game slowed down. The Lakers’ opportunities were slim, but the defense was keen on not letting New Paltz push through and leave Laker Field victorious. Although New Paltz took several shots that were wide of the net, the Hawks’ confidence was rising and they were inching closer and closer to breaking the tie. Senior forward Samantha Abravanel put the Hawks in the lead for good with a standing bicycle kick in minute 79.
The Lakers were unable to recover and subsequently fell, 1-0, for the second consecutive afternoon.
“We didn’t have much life to us and played that way,” McGrane said.
A key concern for McGrane and the Lakers was the lack of goal-scoring opportunities.
“We didn’t create enough, or any, goal-scoring chances which really hurt our chances of winning or tying the game,” McGrane said.
He also said that the Lakers will need to put the ball in the net if they want to advance deep into the post-season.
“One thing we need to do a better job of the remainder of the year is getting numbers in the box. We need to start getting more goal scoring-opportunities for us to have a shot at getting into the SUNYAC tournament.”
A side note to this game was the family reunion that took place between the New Paltz and Oswego teams. New Paltz senior forward Shelby Kondelka is the sister of Oswego State freshman defender Nikki Kondelka. Shelby Kondelka is one of the leaders for New Paltz, and is primed to become the schools’ all-time leader in points.
“We have always been on the same team, and it was weird seeing her on the other side,” Nikki Kondelka said. “I’ve always been her number one supporter, but my team getting a win always comes first.”
The two sisters embraced during the post-game handshakes, showing the passion they both share of the game.
Oswego State will attempt to bounce back from their weekend defeats this Friday as they travel to Potsdam to take on the Bears. Oswego State defeated SUNY Potsdam last season, 2-1, at Laker Field.
