The Oswego State men’s soccer team continues preparing for the SUNYAC, facing St John Fisher University and Elmira College. The Lakers tied their first match against the Cardinals and won their second game against the Soaring Eagles by 1-0.

The first game was a tough game against the Cardinals. It repeated the same tie as in the teams’ last confrontation, with goals ending 1-1. 

The game started with a ball hitting the post four minutes in. The Cardinals had the opportunity right after a header from Joey Avallone conceded a corner. After that, both teams had opportunities to open the lead, failing many times to conclude the goal. However that didn’t change until at least 30 minutes later when the Lakers opened the lead with Hajoon Lee sending a good through ball to Jason Wuytack, who scored the goal.

After the goal, the game slowed as both teams were more cautious. However, the Lakers had a better first half, controlling the game and having five shots during the 45 minutes, while the Cardinals only shot twice.

In the second half, things changed a little bit. The Cardinals started to improve in the game, earning three corner kicks in two minutes. Right after this sequence of corners, Cardinals did not stop attacking for a minute and forced Kyle Rose to save the Lakers from an equalizer at 56 minutes. 

After that, both teams started to substitute and the game cooled off again. Many more severe fouls started and yellow cards were distributed to each team. With the game’s tension high and about to end, the Lakers made a penalty and the Cardinals took advantage to score and tie everything in the 88th minute. 

The game remained tense after the penalty, and Cardinals’ Nick Rippe was sent off. The game was already close to the end and everything ended in a draw.

The second game was a win for the Lakers over the Soaring Eagles in the home opener. The Lakers dominated during the opening 30 minutes, with a lot of pressure and quick ball recovery. However, they got the timing wrong when finishing the play. Lakers the Lakers wasted too many chances, which caused counterattacks from the Eagles. 

However, in the last second of the first half, the Lakers opened the scoring and secured the game’s only goal. 

HaJoon Lee scored right after a free kick for the Lakers, heading the ball in. Aerial plays are a strong weapon for the Lakers both in attack and defense, knowing how to use the right moment.

The first half was also marked by many fouls, 11 made by the Soaring Eagles and only four for the Lakers.

In the second half, the Lakers had the same eight opportunities but less possession of the ball. The Soaring Eagles had a total of 16 shots during the second half, Pressuring the Lakers’ defense heavily and trying to score one more goal to tie everything.

The Lakers managed to defend well and guarantee this vital win for momentum. It is also great for the players’ mentality, as they won a match even though they suffered in the second half.

Goalkeeper Kyle Rose was crucial to the Lakers’ victory. He made an incredible 11 saves during the entire match and always positioned himself in the right place, even when the shot went out of the goal. Rose managed to be very confident and conveyed essential trust to his teammates.

This was the Lakers second consecutive victory over the Soaring Eagles, a feat they had not achieved since 1988. With this win, the Lakers maitain their unbeaten season.

The Lakers will play another home game on Saturday, Sept. 14th, against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a team they have only faced once and lost 2-0.

Photo by: Oswego Athletics