St. Lawrence University (2-2-1) defeated Oswego State (4-1-1) Friday night by a score of 2-0.
It was a match with a rare showing of two red cards from the referee. About 15 minutes into the game, goalie Evan Bogucki took out the legs of a St. Lawrence player in attempt to get the ball. Bogucki was then sent off, forcing the Lakers to sub off a field player for backup goalie Brian Terra. Rob Brandell took the penalty and blasted it past Terra for the first goal of the match.
“The red card hurt us and our natural pattern of getting forward, we had less forwards in the box and it was definitely a disadvantage for us,” head coach Dan Kane said.
Kane opted to keep four players on the backline and keep only one striker up top. Another red card was given toward the end of the second half to St. Lawrence midfielder Dylan McDonough after a poor challenge on Lakers winger Hassan Musa. Following the red card, the Lakers still looked slow and failed to move the ball consistently through the final third.
“I have to give credit to them, they did great in the counter press and getting numbers around the ball quickly,” Kane said. “We just weren’t able to find the space that we have in previous matches.”
The second half showed much of the same. The consistency of possession picked up a little bit for the Lakers but, they were still unable to put a shot on target through 90 minutes.
The Saints second goal came in the 65th minute when Brendan McNamee quietly put the ball in the back of the net on an uncontested shot.
The Lakers subbed in many different players at the lone striker position but, they could not find an answer as St. Lawrence was just too much.
“They’re a really, really good team that can pick you apart,” Kane said. “They’re one of the better schools in the nation.”
The Lakers scored 27 goals through their first five matches but were unable to find the net in this contest. Kane insists the team will have a strong bounce back Saturday at Morrisville State.
“I have no question that our guys are ready and motivated to get back after it tomorrow,” Kane said.
Photo: Alexander Simone | The Oswegonian
