On Sunday, April 2nd, the Cortland Mens Soccer Club hosted a game against Syracuse University at Stadium White. This game determined if the Club team would go to Philadelphia for the championship tournament.
The Soccer team already played against Syracuse University a week prior for the first leg of the stage matchup. The Cortland team lost to them in that game with a finishing score of 1-2, after losing seconds before the ending of the game off a corner kick. So the upcoming game between the two teams was predicted to be close.
In the first half it was a very tight and competitive game, neither team was able to get a goal in the back of the net. The opening goal was crucial, to get a lead to hold over the other to have some comfort in a win.
It wasn’t until the first couple minutes of the second half that a goal was scored, which was done by the Syracuse team giving them the upper edge. Seconds after the first goal was scored, Cortlands Sean Belcher scored tying up the game to take away the lead from Syracuse.
After intensely competing to break the tie, Cortland was able to do it with a beautiful cross into the 18-yard line. Then, Justin Galluzo was able to put a foot on the ball and placed it to the back of the net bringing up the intensity for the Cortland Mens Team.
With a minute and forty-five seconds left in the game, Galluzo did it again. He dribbled up the right wing passing the right defensive men and tapped the ball past the goal after the goalie ran up to him. This put Cortland up another goal, finishing their game with a score of 3-1. They overcame their loss the week prior and made sure to claim their victory to put them into the upcoming Tournament.
The Cortland Mens Soccer team is very excited to continue their season and head out to Philadelphia. One of the players Ian Avossa said “We’re going to Philly Baby! I’m excited to see us play in this tournament and where it will take us!”
There is more to come this season for Cortland Mens Soccer Club, especially with them traveling to Philadelphia to compete in this tournament. To keep up with the team and see when they play next you can follow the Men’s Soccer Teams Instagram @Cortlandclubsoccer