The Oswego State men’s soccer team heads back on the road this afternoon for another nonconference contest. The Lakers head down Interstate 90 to faceoff against the Hamilton College of the NESCAC. The Continentals start their 2022 season today while the Lakers look to head on a win streak. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. from Love Field in Clinton, New York.
Last Time Out
OSWEGO STATE
The Lakers spent the weekend in the nation’s capital for the Turk Emelki Classic hosted by Catholic University. Oswego State opened the 2022 season with a battle against #23 Montclair State University. The Red Hawks found the net within the first 10 minutes, but the Lakers matched the nationally ranked team the rest of the way. Oswego State goalkeeper Matt D’Arpino and the defense kept Montclair State off the box score the rest of the contest.
On Sunday, the Lakers would showcase their offensive production and ball movement with a 4-1 win over Baruch College. 4 different Lakers found the twine which included Kyle Gehnrich’s first goal of the season, a minute into the contest. Oswego State would put 10 shots on goal over the course of regulation and keep the Bearcats at bay. The defense and Lakers netminders Andre Bourjollu and Finnian Costello combined for 1 goal against and 1 save.
Matchup History
The history books show the Continentals having the advantage since their first meeting in 1946. Hamilton College is 26-7-6 overall against Oswego State but the Lakers made last year’s meeting a contest after pushing overtime. The Continentals would win 3-2 back on Sept. 8th, 2021, but only after the Lakers rallied for 2 unanswered goals to push the contest into extra time. Hamilton College has defeated Oswego State the past three matchups dating back to Sept. 4th, 2018.
By The Numbers
RECORD (conference)
OSW: 1-1-0 (0-0-0)
HAM: 0-0-0 (0-0-0)
GOALS (per game)
OSW: 4 (2.0)
HAM: 0
SHOTS ON GOAL (per game)
OSW: 36 (18.0)
HAM: 0
CORNERS
OSW: 13
HAM: 0
Players to Watch
OSWEGO STATE: Kyle Gehnrich
Midfielder Kyle Gehnrich saw a lot of minutes this past weekend. The junior was able to break out in the second contest against Baruch College with a tally and assist in just 40 minutes of play. Last season, the Commack, New York native had a breakout season with 4 goals and 2 assists in 18 games played. Gehnrich will be a player Dan Kane and the rest of the Lakers coaching staff will look towards to increase offensive production while maintaining possession in the midfield.
HAMILTON COLLEGE: Ben Ziegler
Goalkeeper Ben Ziegler returns for his second season with the Continentals program this season after starting 11 games last season, including the campaign opener against Oswego State. The Ohio native allowed 15 goals with a goals against average of 1.44 at the end of the season. The 6’ 0” netminder will be essential to keep this Lakers offense at bay this afternoon.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
The Lakers enter the contest today with some experience in 2022, especially after returning most of their starters from the previous season. Hamilton College is looking to start off their campaign strong in their season opener. Oswego State needs a quick start right off the bus to continue to control games like Laker fans saw on Sunday.
Prediction: Oswego State 3-1
Photo By Alexis Fragapane | @shotsbyfrags
