The Oswego State men’s soccer team continues their SUNYAC regular season play this afternoon at Laker Turf Stadium. The Lakers welcome SUNY Cortland to campus for a rematch of the SUNYAC Championship last season. Oswego State looks for their first win at home this season while SUNY Cortland seeks their first SUNYAC win of 2022. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. on the Oswego State campus at Laker Turf Stadium.
Last Time Out
OSWEGO STATE
On Sept. 21, the Lakers traveled west on Route 104 to face the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles. The Lakers fell to a SUNYAC opponent as the Golden Eagles won 1-0. Oswego State struggled to produce offensively with only four shots on goal. Goalkeeper Matt D’Arpino made four saves over the course of the contest and only allowed one goal against. Oswego State dipped to 0-1-1 in conference play after the result and 2-4-1 overall in the 2022 season.
SUNY CORTLAND
The Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland enter Oswego with a conference record of 0-0-2 after two ties against the North Country teams. On Sept. 21, SUNY Potsdam tied the Red Dragons 2-2 as the Bears found a goal in the 79’ minute to tie the contest. Jack Coleman and AJ Ali both were credited with the SUNY Cortland goals as the squad has been able to find two SUNYAC points in conference play so far this season. The tie pushes the team’s overall record to 4-3-2. SUNY Cortland enters the contest ranked 13 on the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 National Poll.
Matchup History
The last time these two teams played was last season in Cortland for the SUNYAC Championship. The Lakers lost 6-0 on Nov. 6, 2021 which ended their magical post season run. The Lakers have not scored on the SUNY Cortland squad since their playoff game on Nov. 2, 2019 in Cortland when Oswego State was defeated in penalty kicks. Oswego State is looking for their first win since 2006 against SUNY Cortland. The Lakers were able to defeat the Red Dragons 2-1 in extra time.
Around The SUNYAC
The conference enters the third day of conference play. Oswego State holds one point in the standings while SUNY Brockport, Buffalo State, and SUNY New Paltz all have three points at the top of the standings. Outside of Oswego State, there are plenty of games to keep an eye on. One to watch is the SUNY Oneonta at SUNY New Paltz due to the SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons starting conference play. SUNY Oneonta ranks 18 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 National Poll.
By The Numbers
RECORD (conference)
OSW: 2-4-1 (0-1-1)
COR: 4-3-2 (0-0-2)
GOALS (per game)
OSW: 8 (1.14)
COR: 22 (2.44)
SHOTS ON GOAL PERCENTAGE
OSW: .416
COR: .511
CORNERS
OSW: 31
COR: 45
Players to Watch
OSWEGO STATE: Caleb Munski
The Red Dragons enter the contest averaging 2.44 goals per game. Oswego State will look to their senior Caleb Munski to shutdown the SUNY Cortland offense and lead the backline. Munski and the rest of the defensive core have kept opponents to an average of 1.14 goals per game. The Liverpool native has a few blocks to his credit so far this season and will need to be the anchor if the Lakers look to find their first SUNYAC win of the season.
SUNY CORTLAND: Matt Shultz
On the other side of the ball, Matt Shultz leads the SUNY Cortland squad in goals this season with a total of five. The sophomore forward has surpassed his 2021 season goal total just nine games into the campaign. The Oneonta native has started the previous four games for SUNY Cortland and is a player to watch on the offensive side of the ball this afternoon.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
The Lakers will need to right the ship and that could start today against a nationally ranked SUNY Cortland team. Oswego State will need to turn up the offensive production as the Lakers have been shutout four times this season. SUNY Cortland seeks their first win in conference play this year. The history books favor the Red Dragons but a win for Oswego State could change the tide of the season.
Prediction: SUNY Cortland 2-1
Photo Provided by Abby Connolly
