The Oswego State men’s soccer team started its 2014 campaign with a victory in the first round of the Oswego State Men’s Soccer Classic this afternoon at Laker Field. The Lakers took down the Cazenovia Wildcats, 2-1.

A team coming off a tough 2013 season, and looking for its first win since October 2012, Oswego State looked to come out the gate strong. The Lakers used a dominant second half performance to secure the victory.

Oswego State played a very aggressive second forty-five minutes. Through very well executed midfield play, which led to plenty of possession, the Lakers were a threat to the Wildcats’ goal throughout the entire half. Despite that the Lakers had a difficult time being clinical. There was plenty of creativity but no one could find the back of the net.

Such was the case until sophomore defender Brody Magro found space with nineteen minutes remaining. He was able to bypass some defenders and slot the ball by Cazenovia’s junior goalkeeper Kennan Mahoney, who had subbed in at the half for senior Jake Bryant. Mahoney finished with five saves, compared to Bryant’s one in the first period of play.

Oswego State kept up the pressure throughout the half and stymied the Cazenovia offense. Magro’s goal gave the Lakers a lead they would not relinquish.

Play was about even throughout the opening half as neither team was able to take advantage of most of the opportunities given to them; however, each side entered the half with a goal on the scoreboard.

Oswego State started the scoring at 11:34 on a finish by sophomore Harrison Rieber. Rieber was able to settle a low cross off his chest, from fellow sophomore Mitch Brickman, and put the ball in the back of the net.

Both squads attempted to gain control of the game as each side continued to threaten the opponent’s defense. The Lakers held the lead for just under seventeen minutes until junior Conor Cahalan delivered an equalizer at 28:01 of the first. Calahan scored on the far side of the goal off a cross from senior Corey McNair.

The game went into halftime tied, and it was turning into a chippy affair. Oswego State was called for multiple fouls in the first forty-five minutes including two yellow cards given to freshman Connor Lunduski and junior Andrew Moorman. Freshman Tom Bartyzel would join his teammates with a booking of his own at 76:23.

“I couldn’t be happier for the guys. They beat a hard working Cazenovia team,” Laker head coach Bob Friske said on his team’s improvement in the second half.

“There were some minor things we had to tweak, and we had to adjust to their style. It was only a matter of time,” Friske said.

Union College defeated Hilbert College in this evening’s second game, 5-0.

Oswego State will face Union at 3 p.m. tomorrow for the Classic championship. Cazenovia will take on Hilbert in the consolation match at 1 p.m.