POTSDAM, N.Y. (Oct. 25, 2025) — The Cortland Red Dragons women’s soccer team clinched the SUNYAC regular-season championship and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament with a gritty 1–0 road win over the SUNY Potsdam Bears on Saturday afternoon. Photo Credit: Strictly Photos
The victory improved Cortland to 11-2-4 overall and 7-0-1 in SUNYAC play, while Potsdam dropped to 8-7-2 overall and 2-6-1 in the conference. The win marked Cortland’s seventh straight victory and extended its 12-match shutout streak, solidifying the Red Dragons as one of the most dominant defensive teams in Division III this season.
Junior forward Piper Klammer netted the decisive goal in the 19th minute, assisted by senior Julia DeTurris. The play began when DeTurris sprinted down the right flank and sent a low cross into the box. Klammer met it perfectly, flicking a shot with the outside of her foot into the lower-left corner for her eighth goal of the season. The score would hold as the Red Dragons controlled the tempo for the remainder of the match.
Cortland’s defense remained impenetrable, allowing just one shot attempt all afternoon — and none on goal. Senior goalkeeper Olivia Rouse completed a spotless 90 minutes in net, earning her 10th solo shutout of the season and further extending Cortland’s school-record defensive streak.
The Red Dragons outshot Potsdam 19-1, including an 11-0 advantage in shots on target, and held a 6-1 edge in corner kicks. Despite the relentless pressure, Potsdam goalkeeper Megan Fry stood tall, stopping 10 shots to keep the Bears within striking distance.
Cortland nearly opened the scoring earlier in the first half. Freshman forward Gianna Cirilla hit the crossbar in the 12th minute, and DeTurris narrowly missed moments later when her curling effort struck the post. Those near misses only fueled the Red Dragons’ attack before Klammer’s breakthrough goal finally gave them the lead they deserved.
In the second half, Cortland continued to control possession, stringing together passes through midfield and limiting Potsdam’s opportunities to counter. The Bears struggled to maintain offensive rhythm, unable to record a single shot on target against the Red Dragons’ organized back line anchored by seniors Emily Rossi and Grace Larkin.
With the regular-season crown secured, Cortland will enter the SUNYAC tournament as the top overall seed, carrying momentum from an eight-game unbeaten streak. The Red Dragons will conclude the regular season on Tuesday, Oct. 28, with a road matchup at SUNY Oneonta before hosting a conference semifinal at home the following weekend.
For Potsdam, the loss capped a challenging conference campaign. The Bears showed flashes of strong play but were unable to overcome Cortland’s defensive pressure and consistent possession. They will look to regroup and finish the season strong as they aim for a postseason berth.
For Cortland, the victory symbolizes more than a title; it’s a statement of intent. Behind a rock-solid defense, efficient offense, and a veteran core, the Red Dragons have established themselves as the team to beat heading into November’s postseason battles.