After a loss to conference opponent SUNY Cortland over the weekend, the Oswego State women’s soccer team was able to bounce back with a win against Keuka College on Sept. 27. The win brings the Laker’s record to 6-3-1 on the season. 

The Lakers traveled down to Cortland for their second SUNYAC game of the season on Sept. 24 and took a 4-0 loss. The Red Dragons came out firing with three first-half goals coming off the cleats of Jaden Galluzzo, Cam Stone and Simone Neivel. Oswego State could not get anything going on the offensive end as they only recorded one shot in the first half. 

The second half was no different as the Lakers’ offense continued to be shut down by SUNY Cortland’s defense. In hopes of sparking a momentum change, coach Brian McGrane pulled starting sophomore goalkeeper Perri Anderson and put junior Haley Muehl in the net. Even with the goalie switch, the Red Dragons continued to apply pressure and netted one more goal before the final whistle. The Lakers struggled to get good scoring chances as they only had two corners compared to SUNY Cortland’s 10 corners. But, McGrane felt his defense held strong, even though the score does not show it.

“I thought we were working really hard, limited them to shots from 25 and 30 yards out,” McGrane said. “What I really took away after half was our fight and grit to just compete.” 

Taking the positives out of this game may have helped the Lakers in their next matchup against non-conference opponent Keuka College. Oswego State came out firing from all over the field with a total of 20 shots. The defense was sharp and only allowed two shots on goal which helped the Lakers secure a 3-0 win. 

The game was scoreless after the first half but the Lakers lit the scoreboard up just eight minutes into the second half with a goal from freshman Amber McDermott, her first career goal.

McDermott’s teammate, sophomore Lexie Thompson, also scored her first career goal in the 14th minute. Oswego State continued the offensive pressure and netted their third and final goal of the game at the 71st minute mark coming from graduate student Graisa Madden, her third goal of the season. Junior Luigina Serrao had three shots on goal and Katie Delgrosso had three shot attempts with one making it on net. Serrao and Delgrosso have been big contributors for the Lakers as they have combined for seven goals and 14 points so far this season. 

Keuka College had no corner attempts and was held to only seven total shots and the two that made it on net were saved by Anderson. Anderson, a transfer student from Pace University, has now racked up her fourth shutout of the season and sixth win. Anderson spoke on her transition from Pace University to Oswego State. 

“It was pretty hard the first week or so, obviously starting fresh is hard,” Anderson said. “But they have been very welcoming here, everyone from the coaches to the players.”

Anderson has 31 saves on the season with a 1.18 goals against average. Serrao gave her thoughts on how Anderson has been able to adjust to the team in her first season.

 “On the field she directs everybody, from her perspective she can see the whole field,” Serrao said. “Anytime anybody needs to pick up a mark or out of position she is aware of that and lets everybody know where to be.” 

The Lakers have been solid all season as they have outscored opponents 23 to 11. They are averaging 15.1 shots per game and just under six corners a game. They sit at 6-3-1 before their last seven games of the season which will all be conference games. Anderson has her own personal and team goals for the remainder of the season.

“Personally I want to up my save percentage and be one of the higher save percentages in the SUNY,” Anderson said. “If we work hard as a team we can make it far, I will do what I can on my end and I hope everyone does what they can on theirs.” 

The next game for the Lakers will be at 1 p.m., Oct. 1 at the Laker Turf Stadium. They will look to continue their undefeated home record against SUNY Potsdam.

Photo provided by Jim Gemza