POTSDAM, N.Y. – Sophomore forward
Sarah Emmi (Huntington, N.Y./John Glenn) netted the game's lone goal in the 41st minute to give the SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (6-7-0, 2-4-0) a 1-0 victory against SUNY Oneonta (2-6-1, 0-3-1) at the Maxcy Turf Field. Freshman goalkeeper
Rylee Semco (Slate Hill, N.Y./Minisink Valley) stopped two shots for the shutout.
Both teams played excellent defense as only five shots were traded in the opening 45 minutes. With only five minutes remaining in the half, Emmi chased down a pass from her teammates that landed just inside the 18-yard box. As Emmi continued her pursuit of the ball, she was fouled by Red Dragon 5th year goalkeeper Claire Lepper (Poland, N.Y./Poland). Lepper's actions resulted in Emmi being awarded a penalty kick. Without hesitation, Emmi swiftly booted the shot bottom left of the net, resulting in a 1-0 advantage for the Bears at the break.
About 10 minutes into the second half, Red Dragon senior forward Emma Kirkpatrick (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham Wading River) was unsuccessful in her shot attempt as Semco turned it away. Oneonta continued to pressure the Bears for the remainder of the half, but Potsdam's defense stood strong to preserve the shutout.
Lepper had four saves for the Red Dragons. Both teams had nine shots while Oneonta had the edge 7-3 in corner kicks.
The Bears are scheduled to compete again on Saturday afternoon when they host SUNY Fredonia at 1 p.m.