Oswego, N.Y. – Oswego Men's Soccer hosted the Buffalo State Bengals this afternoon in another physical conference matchup, battling to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of intense SUNYAC action. The Lakers opened scoring in the first half behind Ian Husselbeck's lone tally, but the Bengals managed to answer with an equalizer just minutes before halftime. As play resumed, the intensity of play elevated, with both sides producing quality scoring chances and tightening defensively throughout the second half. Despite a compilation of promising shots and passing plays in the final minutes, neither team could find a decisive goal, resulting in a hard-earned conference point for Oswego.
Basics
Final Score:
Oswego: 1 (2-5-1, 0-2-1 SUNYAC)
Buffalo State: 1 (6-3-1, 1-1-1 SUNYAC)
Location: Laker Turf Stadium | Oswego, N.Y.
How It Happened
A steady start from both teams held play in the midfield for the beginning minutes of the first half. As play began to unfold, the Lakers started to gain some momentum, finding a handful of solid possessions and shots on net. Standing tall on defense, the Bengals held strong in their box, shutting down Oswego's passing lanes and quality chances, and returning a compilation of offensive plays of their own. Not before long, an odd-man rush off a strong boot would send Ian Husselbeck in on a 1-on-0, with pressure from a defender. A strong low cross-box shot by Husselbeck managed to catch the bottom left corner of the net, opening scoring for the Lakers and giving his team a 1-0 lead. Determined to level the scoreboard, Buffalo State picked up their intensity, elevating their physicality and urgency in 50-50 possession battles. While halftime continued to draw closer, the Bengals did not let up on testing goalkeeper Kyle Rose with an array of shots and headers. After multiple rejections, Buffalo managed to breakthrough with a rebound goal scored by with just under 9 minutes to play, sending the game into the second half tied 1-1.
With both the Bengals and Lakers hungry for the next tally, the energy of the game only increased as play got back underway. This upgraded pace of the match forced Oswego to utilize their bench depth, which would pay off in the middle minutes of the second half when Buffalo State maintained control of the ball and earned multiple corner kick opportunities. As the clock began to tick down, the Lakers were able to sustain their energy and regain entry into Buffalo's zone for the final minutes of the game. A firm save and clear by opposing netminder Carson Smith would give the Bengals a kickstart in transition but a nice interception by Husselbeck, recovered possession for Oswego and turned play back into the Bengals end. Despite a relentless effort for 90 minutes, the game ended with the scoreline deadlocked 1-1 at the final buzzer, awarding Buffalo State and Oswego SUNYAC points.
What's Next
Oswego Men's Soccer will travel to North this Saturday, October 10th to face the SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinals in their fourth consecutive conference matchup. Kickoff will commence at 1:00PM at the SUNY Plattsburgh Field House Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.
Written By: Matilda Pethrick
@OswegoAthletics | FB: OswegoAthleticsOfficial | IG: oswegoathletics
