The Cortland Women’s soccer team secured a 1-0 win against their biggest rivalry, Ithaca College, on Wednesday, September 13th against their non-conference foe. The Red Dragons boast a record of 3-1-1, while the bombers experienced their first setback, falling to 3-1-1.
Cortland senior Simone Neivel scored her first goal of the season after coming back from an ACL injury in the 2022 season.
“It felt great being back on my feet, scoring my first goal of the season, nonetheless against one of our biggest rivalries,” Neivel said. “I’m excited to see how this season goes and very happy to be back on the field.”
Entering the first half, both teams came into the game with energy. It was noticeable that the Red Dragons and the Bombers brought a lot of physicality into the game. Ithaca dominated possession within the attacking third during the first 35 minutes of the game, but Cortland’s defense made it extremely difficult for the bombers to put the ball in the back of the net.
With not many scoring chances, the Bombers had the first scoring opportunity in the 22nd minute. Sophomore Kaelyn Fernandez missed high on an open header on a cross from the left side. The Bombers finished the first half with 11 shots, while the Red Dragons finished with four.
Senior captain Camryn Stone shared what was said by the Cortland coaching staff during halftime.
“Coach Heidi emphasized how strong we had to be in the second half to win this game,” Stone said. “It was a huge game for us as a team and if we came out weak to start the half, Ithaca would take advantage of that and put the ball in the back of the net.”
Entering the second, it was an even start between both teams. The Dragons and the Bombers were applying pressure and high intensity. Neivel had an early shot on goal for Cortland in the first two minutes but was stopped by Ithaca goalkeeper Grace Hickey.
Both teams exhibited a high level of physicality throughout both halves. Cortland committed a total of ten fouls, while Ithaca was not far behind with seven fouls of their own.
“We knew that Ithaca was going to be a very physical and tough game, so going into it we focused on the mental aspect,” Junior captain Katie Cosenza said. “Staying mentally checked into the game would also help us continue to play well and dominate the field.”
Later in the half Ithaca came on the counterattack as forward Rosie Bostian was inches away from giving her squad the lead. In the 64th minute, Bostian hitting the crossbar on a header.
Only four minutes later, in the 68th minute, Cortland gained the 1-0 victory when senior Liz Allen served the ball from the end line. Neivel was able to receive it and place the ball in the back of the net. Ithaca had opportunities later to tie the match, but were unable to capitalize. The Red Dragons finished the second half with five shots, while the Bombers finished with ten.
Cortland junior goalkeeper Kristen Spendal notched her first shutout of the season additionally. Even though there were not many shots on goal, Spendal made several saves from dangerous serves into the box throughout the match to secure her team’s victory.