The SUNY Cortland women’s and men’s soccer team had the privilege to travel across the world. With help from Bravo Sports Tours, the teams experienced some of Italy’s most beautiful cities. For Cortland’s spring break, the teams had the opportunity to tour the cities, watch a professional soccer game, play friendly matches versus local Italian teams, and much more!
When Cortland’s teams arrived, they explored downtown Milan, where they experienced their first taste of Italy. Throughout the week they visited Switzerland, went hiking in Lake Como, on a bike tour in Lucca, pasta making in Tuscany, and even toured around Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre.
After a full day touring and discovering Lugano, Switzerland, the teams traveled to the San Siro Stadium in Milan, where they attended the pro match AC Milan versus US Salernitana. Graduate student Jaden Galluzzo shared her experience from the game.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Galluzzo said. “It was crazy to see how fans from a different country express their love for the game. The stadium was wild and filled with energy. I enjoyed every second of it and it was an experience I will never forget.”
Even though a majority of the trip consisted of touring cities, the teams had the chance to play friendly matches against local teams. On Tuesday, the women’s team played against Real Meda FC and the men’s team played against Meda 1913. Both games were streamed on the team’s Instagram accounts, so family and friends could watch.
The first match for the Cortland women’s team did not go in their favor, as they, unfortunately, lost 4-0. For the men’s team however, the Red Dragons ended their night with a 4-1 win, with goals from junior Mateo Marra, freshman Nolan Weik, sophomore Jackson Masters, and sophomore Carter Jackson.
On Thursday night, the women’s team played against Rinascita Doccia, while the men’s team played against UPD Isolotto. Although the women’s team ended their night in a 2-2 tie, compared to Tuesday night, it was a much more exciting match to watch. Starting the first half strong, senior defender Bryn Thompson scored her second collegiate goal off a corner kick from freshman transfer, Katie Cohen. Thompson received the cross from Cohen outside the 18, took a touch, and shot the ball in the upper 90.
Entering the second half, down 2-1, graduate student Jaden Galluzzo was able to tie the game up. It was her 42nd collegiate goal as a Red Dragon. With a through-ball from freshman Gianna Noce, Galluzzo took the ball, shot it at Rinascita Doccia’s keeper, and was then deflected. Galluzzo saw the opportunity to get the rebound and then shot it into the far left corner, tying up the game for the Red Dragons.
“It was a bittersweet moment because it was my last time ever playing as a Cortland Red Dragon,” Galluzzo said. “There is no better way to end my career than scoring my last goal in Italy.”
The Cortland men’s game against UPD Isolotto was just as exciting as their first match on Tuesday. They ended the night with a 4-2 win, with two goals from Marra and two from freshman Josh Carroll.
Wrapping up the trip, the teams enjoyed their last day in Cinque Terre and explored the breathtaking Italian coasts. The trip was an incredible experience for the Red Dragons and many players are in hopes of future tours.