The Oswego State men’s soccer team continues their homestand this afternoon as the Lakers welcome SUNY Fredonia to Laker Turf Stadium. Oswego State starts their SUNYAC play while also celebrating alumni weekend for the program. Kick off is set for 1:00 p.m. from Laker Turf Stadium on SUNY Oswego’s Campus.
Last Time Out
OSWEGO STATE
The Lakers battled Elmira College on Sept. 13 and fell to the Soaring Eagles 1-0. Elmira was able to put a ball past Lakers goalkeeper Matt D’Arpino in the 24’ minute. The free kick shot from Lutho Mlunguza arched into the net to put the Soaring Eagles ahead. Oswego State tried developing chances off the counterattack but was unable to find any grade A opportunities. D’Arpino made nine saves over the course of the contest and kept the Elmira squad from extending their lead. Oswego State dropped to 2-3 on the season.
SUNY FREDONIA
The SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils battled against Medaille University on Sept. 14 at home in a nonconference contest. The Blue Devils fell 4-3 to the visitors after outscoring the Mavericks two to one in the second half. Three different players tallied goals in the lost and the Blue Devils made a goalkeeper substitution in the second half after Kyle Pezzulo made three saves on seven shots on goal. The result set SUNY Fredonia’s overall record at 1-3-1 in its 2022 campaign.
Matchup History
The Lakers and Blue Devils have a storied history dating back to 1964. Based on the archives, SUNY Fredonia has the advantage all time against the Oswego State with a 37-13-6 record. However, the Lakers defeated SUNY Fredonia 2-1 in the second overtime period last season on Oct. 2, 2021. Current Laker Brendan Murphy tied the game in the 82’ minute and Slater Bushen finished off the Blue Devils in extra time. The two teams have traded results the past three seasons ever since the Lakers defeated the Blue Devils at Laker Turf Stadium on Oct. 13, 2018.
SUNYAC Update
This season, the points system in the SUNYAC men’s soccer and women’s soccer conferences will be different compared to past years. In conference play, a win rewards teams with three points. A tie will give each team a point.
Alumni Weekend
The Oswego State men’s soccer program host their annual alumni weekend each season around this time of the calendar year. The program dates back to 1938 when the Lakers finished 1-2 overall and won their only home game of the season. After 83 seasons, the program has seen 11 different head coaches. Current bench boss Dan Kane spoke on the importance of this weekend.
“It is known within the SUNYAC that no one likes to play us on alumni weekend,” Kane said. “We have such fervent supporters, and we will have a crew of almost 100 people back for the weekend.”
Coach Kane continued to touch on the added motivation that this weekend brings to the players. The Lakers defeated SUNY Brockport and lost to SUNY Geneseo on alumni weekend last season.
By The Numbers
RECORD (conference)
OSW: 1-1-0 (0-0-0)
FRE: 1-3-1 (0-0-0)
GOALS (per game)
OSW: 7 (1.40)
FRE: 8 (1.60)
SHOTS ON GOAL PERCENTAGE
OSW: .384
FRE: .700
CORNERS
OSW: 24
FRE: 29
Players To Watch
OSWEGO STATE: Matt D’Arpino
The men’s soccer coaching staff has turned to junior netminder Matt D’Arpino this season to handle the responsibilities in between the pipes. The Endicott, New York native has five goals against in four games played this season. The Laker has 19 saves and posts a .792 save percentage. Oswego State will turn to its defense and goalkeeper to keep the Blue Devils offense quiet.
SUNY FREDONIA: Jacob Gennaro
On the other side of the field, junior Jacob Gennaro will be a player to keep an eye on in the attacking third. Gennaro has started in four games this season and tallied one goal and one assist. The first year Blue Devil will look to be a spark in the offense to push the SUNY Fredonia ahead.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
Every point matters in conference play, especially at the beginning. A win for Oswego State means so much more than three points. Head coach Dan Kane is looking for his hundredth collegiate win after spending time at Wells College prior to his current stint with Oswego State. Expect the Lakers to play with passion this afternoon at Laker Turf Stadium.
Prediction: Oswego State 2-1
Photo By Abigail Connolly | The Oswegonian
