Oswego State women’s soccer team Improves to 3-2-0 after road stretch.

Following a 3-1 loss to Geneseo, The 1-1 Lakers took to the road on, Sep. 6 to start their three-game road trip against the 0-1-1 Houghton University Highlanders at the Blue Devil Classic.

The Lakers’ offense started the game by applying pressure to the Highlander’s defense, recording the first 5 shots, with two of them on net. Finally at the 38-minute mark, Laker’s midfielder Erika Yancey strikes first off the feed from Emma Rechtorovic, giving the Lakers a 1-0 lead. Not even 2 minutes later, the Lakers were able to extend the lead to 2-0 off a goal by midfielder Amber McDermott, which was assisted by Sabrina Schmitt. 

As the Lakers looked to carry this momentum into the second half, a very unfortunate miscommunication occurred which led to an own goal committed by the Lakers, cutting their own lead to 2-1 at the 45-minute mark.  

However, despite the error, the Lakers held control the rest of the game with Yancey striking back not even a minute later, netting her second goal of the game with Courtney Key picking up the assist at the 50:54 mark. 

Lakers’ forward Sabrina Schmitt scored an unassisted goal at the 76:31 mark, closing the game out and giving the Lakers the 4-1 victory and an improved record of 2-1. 

Following their win against Houghton, the Lakers made their way to Fredonia, where they defeated the Utica University Pioneers in nail-biting 1-0 fashion on, Sep. 7.  

Despite what the score said, The Lakers were in control for a majority of this matchup, outshooting the Pioneers 15-8 with seven of their shots on net. To start the game off, Lakers’ defender Nicolette Joannou recorded the first shot on net for either side at the 2-minute mark. The Lakers offense followed this by ending the half with 3 more shots on net as opposed to the Pioneers’ one. The Defensive side of the Lakers also played great, needing goalkeeper Perri Anderson to save only 4 shots as she secured the shutout. 

After a scoreless first half, both offenses began trading shots throughout the start of the second half. After a few scoring opportunities coming from the shots on goal by Lakers’ McDermott and Courtney Key, it was Katie Delgrosso capitalizing off the assist from Courtney Key netting the first goal of the game at the 83-minute mark. This ended up being the deciding goal, giving the Lakers a 1-0 win and their 2nd in a row. 

Looking to extend their win streak and keep their road record intact, the 3-1 Lakers took a trip to Clinton, New York where they went up against the Hamilton Continentals on Tuesday, Sep. 10. Despite the Lakers’ best efforts, Hamilton seemed to be in control and left with a 3-0 win, handing the Lakers their first road loss of the season.  

To start the game, the Lakers struggled to generate anything offensively, only recording their first shot at the 29-minute mark. the Continentals looked to have possession for a majority of the game as they scored two goals in the first half.  

The Lakers came out with more energy in the second half, trading shots against their opponent, with two of them going on net delivered by Yancey and Amber McDermott. Although it seemed like the Lakers were able to generate more opportunities, they were unable to capitalize as the Hamilton Continentals iced the game with their third and final goal at the 87-minute mark. 

Despite the tough loss, The Lakers, following this three-game road trip, were able to improve their record to 3-2-0. There were many key players throughout this trip, one being Yancey who led the team in goals (2) and shots (9) with 6 being on goal. Another player to highlight was goalkeeper Perri Anderson, who only allowed a combined 4 goals and was able to tally up 15 saves throughout this three-game stretch, along with recording a shutout. 

Now the Lakers head to Canton, New York where they have their eyes set on victory against St. Lawrence University  on Sep. 14.

Photo by: Oswego Athletics