CORTLAND, N.Y. – The Cortland men’s lacrosse team showcased their offensive prowess in a commanding 14-7 victory against Scranton on Saturday afternoon at Grady Field, marking a successful home opener. With this win, the Red Dragons now boast a 2-0 record, while the Royals drop to 1-4.
In a striking display of offensive coordination, Cortland’s starting attack unit notched an impressive ten goals for the second consecutive game. Sam Rothman from Dix Hills led the charge with an outstanding performance, contributing five goals and an assist to the team’s triumph. Caden Yancey of Fayetteville added four goals and an assist, while Kole Stuver of Fairport chipped in with a goal and two assists.
According to Sam Rothman, junior attackman, “It was an exhilarating game filled with thrilling moments both on and off the field. We are incredibly grateful to our fans for the unwavering support they provide. It’s truly special to be out there and feel the energy of the crowd cheering us on without them we wouldn’t have close to as much energy as we have out there.”
The Red Dragons saw notable contributions from emerging talents as well. Matt Franzoni from Brielle, NJ, scored his first two career goals, showcasing the team’s depth and potential. Josh Michel, Tucker Macknik, Ryan Scanlon, and Ryan Smith also played crucial roles, each making substantial contributions to the team’s overall success.
In the goalkeeping department, Travis Wagner of Penfield exhibited remarkable skills, making 13 saves and allowing only six goals in 57 minutes and 11 seconds of play. Charlie Falowski, in his first collegiate action, closed the game by stopping two shots in the final minutes.
The faceoff battle was dominated by Rich Finn, who won an impressive 13 out of 17 faceoffs and scooped up a game-high eight ground balls. Aidan McHugh also made significant contributions, succeeding in 4-of-6 faceoffs and collecting four ground balls. Klay Stuver, Tucker Macknik, Christian Lembo, and Conner Gallagher showcased their prowess in ground ball recovery, further solidifying Cortland’s control of the game.
Scranton’s Matthew McAree stood out with four goals, leading his team’s offensive efforts. Joe Boyle, Colin Hughes, and Myles McCutcheon also made valuable contributions to Scranton’s scoreboard, but the Red Dragons’ defense, led by goalie Travis Wagner, proved too formidable.
The game unfolded with Cortland taking an early lead, establishing a 6-3 advantage after the first quarter. By halftime, they extended their lead to 8-4. The third quarter saw Cortland’s dominance reaching its peak as they surged ahead to 11-5. The Red Dragons continued their relentless pursuit of victory, securing a 14-7 final score in the fourth quarter.
Cortland’s ability to control the pace, coupled with their offensive firepower, was evident throughout the game, leaving Scranton struggling to match their intensity. The Red Dragons now look ahead to the rest of the season with confidence, building on their strong start. The team’s cohesive performance and emerging talents signal a promising trajectory for the remainder of the lacrosse season.