The Cortland women’s soccer team captured their 10th SUNYAC title, outclassing their opponents, SUNY Brockport, with a 3-0 victory at Holloway Field. The Red Dragons, who had not clinched the title since 2019, demonstrated unwavering determination and skill on Saturday morning.
Cortland ended their SUNYAC conference play with an 11-2-5 record while being the top seed. SUNY Brockport finished with a 12-2-6 record and clinching the second-seed.
Cortland senior Liz Allen scored the first goal of the first half just 3:53 into the game after receiving a long through-ball from freshman Tyla Vuotto and beating the goalkeeper 1-on-1.
“It felt amazing to score in such a big game! I was immediately fired up and so excited,” Allen said. “It helped set the tone for the entire match which is something we talked about in our huddle.”
“We played a well-fought 90 minutes getting two more goals to seal the deal. I’m very proud of each one of my teammates. It was definitely a surreal moment and something I will never forget,” said Allen.
Sophomore Hannah Blacher headed in a cross received from junior Katie Cosenza in the 51st minute, giving the Red Dragons a 2-0 lead. Just a few weeks back after recovering from an injury for the majority of the season, Cosenza wrapped up the game with a 3-0 win, courtesy of an assist provided by senior Kayla Valerioti.
“It felt really good to score and have all of my hard work to get back on the field pay off, especially in such a big game. I am super proud of this team,” Cosenza said.
Following the game, graduate student Bryn Thompson was named the SUNYAC Tournament MVP in recognition of her contribution to the Red dragons ninth shutout this season. Vuotto, Cosenza, and junior goalkeeper Kristen Spendal were awarded the all-tournament team. Sophomore Lexi Burke was honored with the SUNYAC’s Women’s Soccer Elite 20 award. Burke is an exercise major with a 3.98 GPA.
In addition, the 3-0 victory was head coach Heidi Axtell’s 196th win, making her the Red Dragons’ career victory leader.
Because of the SUNYAC win, Cortland earned an automatic spot in the NCAA playoffs. The pairings for the tournament will be announced on Monday, Nov. 6 at 1:30 p.m. to find out who the Red Dragons will be playing, and where.
It was a great day to be a Red Dragon.
Not only did the women’s soccer team win the SUNYAC title, but football, field hockey, and men’s soccer secured a championship this Saturday as well.
Cortland v. Brockport Game Statistics:
Goals: Cortland 3, Brockport 0
Shots: Cortland 10, Brockport 7
Corner Kicks: Cortland 6, Brockport 1
Saves: Cortland 7, Brockport 3
Fouls: Cortland 10, Brockport 5