MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNYIT Women's Soccer Team (1-2-0, 0-0 NEAC) dropped their home opener Wednesday night, 2-0 to non-conference rival Utica College (3-0-0). The Pioneers scored once in the first half, then made good on a corner kick in the second to give the game its final tally.
Though the outcome left much to be desired for the home team, SUNYIT was not without its share of exciting plays.
In the first half junior keeper Aubrey Campbell (Auburn, N.Y. / Auburn) made the play of the period for the Wildcats. Just over ten minutes into the contest Pioneer striker Sarah Southwell broke free deep in 'IT territory. Facing a one-on-one situation, Campbell came out of the goal to close the gap, and smothered Southwell's kick from point-black range. Perhaps even more impressive, Campbell had the wherewithal to scramble after the ricochet, diving on the ball just milliseconds before a Pioneer forward was able to gather the ball for what would've been a sure goal.
Despite Campbell's heroics, though, the great try for Utica served as foreshadowing. With 31:02 showing on the game clock, Pioneer striker Sarah Spohler continued her hot start in 2012 with her 5th point on the season, and the game's first goal. Spohler managed to break free down the middle of the field, and poked it past a helpless Campbell for the score.
Spohler was the beneficiary of a great setup by fellow striker Sarah Southwell, who was credited with the assist on the score.
In the second half Campbell and Spohler continued to battle. Just moments after Campbell collected a contested shot from Spohler down the right side, the Pioneers executed a perfect give-and-go that resulted in Spohler having a dream look from the left corner of the goal box. In almost a perfect repeat of the first half, Campbell game out of the goal and smothered the line-drive kick.
Unfortunately for SUNYIT, the mimicry of the first half continued. Just as in the first half, a beautiful save by Campbell preceded a Utica goal just minutes later. The second half version belonged to Alexandria Newton. The play started with a corner kick by Samantha Matthews. Campbell came out to try to intercept but was unable to gain possession of the ball. The loose ball was batted around and eventually dumped in by junior Alexandria Newton. First-year Krystine Alvear was credited with an assist on the play.
SUNYIT will look to rebound on their home field with a pair of weekend contests, starting Saturday when they host the College of St. Elizabeth Eagles. Game time is slated for noon.
