OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Soccer returned to Laker Turf Stadium this evening to face off against powerhouse Buffalo State. Despite having similar game results in SUNYAC matchups, the Bengals have compiled enough wins to secure a home playoff game as the No.2 seat, while the Lakers hang on to their potential spot in postseason play. A quiet series of opening minutes would be ended by the Bengals, tallying the first point of the match. Remaining consistent, Oswego found a way to level the score in the early minutes of the second half. Although the 1-1 scoreline would hold steady for much of the 2nd, Buffalo State was not finished, notching 3 goals in six minutes to secure a 4-1 win over the Lakers. 

THE BASICS 
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 1 (3-7-5, 2-4-2 SUNYAC)  

Buffalo State 4 (12-1-3, 5-0-3 SUNYAC) 

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

 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

A quiet set of opening minutes would give both teams some time to settle in, but play would remain in the midfield for the better part of the first 15 minutes. Buffalo State would take the little space Oswego gave them but were unable to create anything of quality. A handful of errant shots and unsuccessful passing plays would keep the Laker defense on their toes, but a foul against Ian Husselback at 18:24 would provide a prime free kick opportunity for the Bengals. Taken by Diego Rivera, his shot evaded the wall of Oswego players and the hands of keeper Kyle Rose, notching the first point of the match at the 19:22 mark. Now trailing 1-0, Laker forward Tajay Ellis did not hesitate to up the intensity, testing the Bengals with a fast drive to the net on the following play. Collected by opposing net minder Carson Smith, Buffalo State would make their way back up the field looking to produce some more offense. Surviving the final minutes on defense, Oswego was determined to level the score in the second half.  

As play resumed, the Bengals were quick to reassume offensive positioning, but the Lakers continued to use their physicality to disrupt plays and ward off shooting opportunities. While the second half got underway, both Buffalo and Oswego traded multiple series of fouls as the intensity of play proceeded to elevate. The Lakers repossessed the ball off another Bengal free kick, and a long ball sent up field by Ryan Bullis, would find Tajay Ellis just past midfield. Winning the footrace to the ball, Ellis retained his speed on his way to net, finishing on a 1-on-1 at 57:21. Intent on keeping their legs fresh, the Lakers began utilizing their bench depth. This would benefit Oswego as they would be kept on defense for much of the latter part of the half. As the clock began to disappear, Bengal defenseman Kris Godoy contained a Laker clear attempt and immediately sent it cross-zone to teammate Joseph Desmonie who finished a 2nd goal off a one-timer at the 80:22 mark. Not ready to relinquish, Oswego would return an offensive surge of their own but a vigilant defensive effort by the Bengals generated another odd-man rush opportunity and goal minutes later at 85:55. The Bengals knotched a 4th goal before the end of the half, securing a 4-1 win over the Lakers.  

WHAT'S NEXT 

Oswego Men's Soccer will cap off their 2025 SUNYAC campaign this Saturday, October 25th in a final conference matchup against the SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils. Kickoff will commence at 1:00PM at University Stadium in Fredonia, N.Y. Go Lakers! 

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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