OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Soccer hosted rival SUNY Fredonia at the Laker Turf Stadium this afternoon, looking to secure a crucial SUNYAC win. A passive start for the Oswego would give the Blue Devils an early upper hand on offense. Despite this, the Lakers wasted no time once gaining offensive possession, controlling play and securing a 3-goal lead before halftime. Despite trailing 4-0 just 15 minutes into the second half, the Blue Devils stayed persistent, stripping Oswego's keeper of a shutout. The Lakers did not falter, responding accordingly with 2 more goals, and pulling away from today's match with a 6-1 conference win over Fredonia.  

THE BASICS 
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 6 (7-2-3, 2-2-1 SUNYAC) 

Fredonia 1 (6-7-2, 1-4 SUNYAC) 

 
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.  

 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

A passive start for the Lakers would give Fredonia early access to their offensive zone. The Blue Devils were able to maintain possession in Oswego's end for the opening minutes of the half, but a connected Laker defense would shut down multiple corner kick opportunities and fend off an eager Fredonia squad. As the half got underway, the Lakers began to gain some momentum on offense, testing Fredonia goalkeeper Thomas McDonald with series of shots and corner kicks. A few good transitions by Fredonia would allow them to break up offensive play, but Oswego fought hard in the midfield to keep possession. A foul called on Blue Devil Liam Winters would award Graduate Student Kyle Gehnrich with a free kick just inside of Fredonia's zone. A strong, low shot by Gehnrich would evade the hands of McDonald, putting Oswego on the board first at the 21:33 mark. The Lakers continued to apply pressure, as senior forward Kyle Hanner added to Oswego's lead at 32:17 off an impressive rebound recovery. As the clock began to tick town, Oswego did not falter, pushing multiple odd man rushes and notching a third goal by forward Matthew Sturman. The Lakers would head into halftime with a solid 3-0 lead over Fredonia.  

The beginning minutes of the second half would mimic the first, but it did not take long for Oswego to regain their grips on offense. With the Lakers maintaining possession at both ends of the field, it made it difficult for the Blue Devils to answer Oswego's 3-0 lead, but they stayed persistent. A solid transition from the Lakers would give first year Ryan Bullis room to run in the midfield. Bullis took a chance, shooting the ball from just past centerfield. This risk was rewarded, with a fourth unanswered tally for the Lakers at 67:47. About 10 minutes later, an offensive surge by Fredonia would unfortunately put an end to netminder Kyle Rose's shutout, as Juan Matias notched an impressive crossbar down goal at the 77:15 mark. Sophomore Ian Husselbeck responded accordingly, faking out McDonald with a deceptive far side shot, securing a 5th goal for Oswego at 84:23. Just two-minutes later a creative passing play between Marcus Baker and Husselbeck would set Cerixey Lindsay up for a straight shot from the middle of Fredonia's box. Lindsay's goal would conclude scoring in today's match and let the Lakers pull away with a 6-1 conference win over SUNY Fredonia.  

WHAT'S NEXT 

Oswego Men's Soccer will hit the road this Wednesday, October 16th and head to Potsdam, N.Y. where they will face off against the SUNY Potsdam Bears in a SUNYAC conference matchup. Kick off will commence at 6:00 PM on Maxcy Turf Field. Go Lakers! 

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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