The Cortland women’s soccer team secured a 2-1 victory against 15th nationally ranked Misericordia University for the first time in history. The Red Dragons boast a record of 4-2-1 while the Cougars dropped to 4-3 after the non-conference match at Holloway Field Wednesday evening.
Senior Liz Allen scored her first goal of the season on a through ball assisted by senior Simone Neivel.
“It felt amazing, it was a breakthrough moment for myself individually,” Allen said. “Misericordia is always a tough battle that we often fall short of overcoming, so scoring is an accomplishment within itself while also taking the win was the best feeling.”
For years, the Cortland women’s soccer team had been locked in a seemingly unbreakable cycle of frustration against Misericordia University. Every previous encounter had been a test of both physical and mental resilience, with the last three seasons ending in disappointing losses of 0-2, 1-7, and 1-3. However, this past Wednesday, the women’s soccer team rewrote its narrative.
For the first 45, the Dragons got off to a hot start and applied immediate pressure against the Cougars. Throughout the half, the Red Dragons were doing a great job of keeping possession, working up the field, and using their midfielders. Even though Cortland dominated the half, Misericordia’s defense denied the Dragons dangerous chances on target.
Cortland struggled shooting the ball on target, while Misericordia was consistent with placing the ball on frame any chance they got. In the last few minutes of the half, Misericordia was close to leading the game 1-0, when Colleen Kinsella shot the ball from the top of the 18. Goalkeeper Kristen Spendal was able to get her gloves on the ball and punch it out of bounds. The Red Dragons finished the half with four shots, while the Cougars finished with nine.
Because of the history between Misericordia and Cortland, the Red Dragons coaching staff expects Misericordia’s lineup to be talented every season. Associate Head Coach Craig Thomas made sure to tell his senior defender, Bella Casucci about the Cougars top forward Emma Sweitzer.
“Our coaches talked about number 12 before the game,” Casucci said. “They had me man-mark her and follow her. It was frustrating because she kept switching sides so Hannah (the other outside defender) and I had to switch sides a few times so I would be near her. She put up a good fight but I think I did a good job containing her and getting good tackles against her.”
Entering the second half, the Red Dragons came out with even more energy and physicality. Both teams were giving an equal amount of physicality which led Cortland to five fouls and Misericordia with three.
In the 65th minute, Cortland gained the well-deserved 1-0 lead when Neivel split their defensive line by driving a through ball to Allen. Allen was able to go on one against Misericordia’s goalkeeper and place the ball in the bottom right corner.
Just 11 minutes later, in the 76th minute, Neivel earned her second goal of the season from a loose ball outside of the 18. Neivel took that opportunity and ripped the ball into the inside right post, gaining a 2-0 lead.
For the remainder of the half, the Dragons did a great job keeping the ball and making the clock run out. Any chance they had, they would hold the ball in the far corner.
The Cougars kept trying to create plays and get shots on goal while also being extremely physical which led to a physical finish. In the 84th minute, a foul was called on Cortland inside the 18, which led to the Cougars’ chances of a comeback.
Misericordia’s star forward, Sweitzer, slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, rekindling hope for their team and suggesting that there was still time for a potential comeback victory pulling within one score.
The Red Dragons maintained their poise, ending the match with a 2-1 victory.