OSWEGO, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Soccer returned to action in Laker Turf Stadium this afternoon against the Hamilton College Continentals. After tying Clarkson in their season opener, the Lakers were determined to clutch their first victory of the season. A pretty relaxed start from both teams would see both teams trading touches in the midfield for the beginning minutes, but it would not take long for Hamilton to assert themselves on offense, securing the first goal of the match. The Lakers found themselves on defense for the better part of the game but had a handful of quality scoring opportunities, on which they would not capitalize. Despite a valiant effort in the final moments of the second half, Oswego would suffer a 4-0 loss to the Hamilton Continentals.  

THE BASICS 
 
Final Score:  

Oswego 0 (0-1-1, 0-0 SUNYAC)  

Hamilton 4 (1-0-0, 0-0 NESCAC) 

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

 
HOW IT HAPPENED 

A passive start from both teams would contain play to the midfield for the opening minutes, but it did not take long for the Continentals to move in on offense. As Oswego set up their defense, a connected passing effort by Hamilton would generate a prime scoring opportunity for opposing forward Griffin Weidner that would be rejected by an impressive save from net minder Kyle Rose. The Continentals opted for a short pass on the proceeding corner kick, creating a consecutive scoring chance, but were once again unable to capitalize. While play continued to unfold, both programs traded defensive clears, but the Continentals used their early offensive momentum to their advantage, notching the first goal of their season off a header by Brady Hyland 11:36 minutes into the first half. Unphased, the Lakers broke into Hamilton's zone on the following play, earning a free kick that would unfortunately be deflected by a Continental. A cross-field clear by Hamilton would begin a back-and-forth game of keep away in the midfield for the better part of the next ten minutes, leaving the scoreboard stagnant. As halftime drew closer, the Continentals were determined to create separation before the initial buzzer and did exactly that with another header goal, but would be disappointed to learn it was revoked by the referees due to a foul. 

Hungry to be the next to add to the scoresheet, Oswego and Hamilton both came out firing on all cylinders in the early minutes of the second half, trading turns on offense and corner kick opportunities.  A foul on Jason Wuytack would give Hamilton an opportunity to send a long ball in from the halfway line. Pulling goaltender Peter Montesano Scheibe to the midfield to take the kick, the Continentals had a full armory in Oswego's defensive zone. A calculated hail mary by Scheibe dropped into the box right into the path of Griffin Weidner, who would correct his missed opportunity in the first half, securing a second goal for Hamilton at 51:22. The Lakers would have brief possession on the following play but the Continentals did not hesitate to re-establish themselves on offense, striking again just 3 and half minutes later at 54:58 to extend their lead to 3-0. Oswego's confidence and ability to clear the ball began to waver in the following minutes, while Hamilton remained consistent adding a fourth goal to the scoreline at 65:56. As the clock ticked down, both teams made a handful of substitutions to keep things fresh as neither wanted to relinquish. Despite a valiant effort by the Lakers in the final minutes of play, it was a little too little too late, falling 4-0 to the Hamilton Continentals.  

WHAT'S NEXT 

Oswego Men's Soccer will hit the road this Saturday, September 6th heading to Elmira, N.Y. where they will face off against the Elmira College Eagles. Kickoff will commence at 3:00PM on Elmira Campus Field. Go Lakers! 

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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