Oswego, N.Y. – The Alfred State women's soccer team battled Oswego State to a scoreless draw on Wednesday afternoon at Laker Turf Stadium. Alfred State moves to 7-5-2 overall and 3-3-1 in conference play.
The Pioneers nearly struck early in the contest when
Regan Curabba sent a shot off the post just over three minutes into the game. Oswego responded with pressure of its own, but goalkeeper
Madeline Cox came up with multiple important saves to keep the Lakers off the scoreboard. Cox stopped five shots in the first half, helping Alfred State resist Oswego's early attacking chances.
Alfred State continued to look for opportunities as the half continued. Curabba forced a save in the 35th minute, while
Kaitlyn Howell tested Oswego goalkeeper Lucy Starzyk in the 40th minute. The teams entered halftime tied 0-0, with the Pioneers continuing to compete defensively while searching for a breakthrough.
The Pioneers came out fresh with attacking pressure in the second half. Curabba and Howell created opportunities in the opening minutes before
Isabella Hoffmann put another shot on target in the 53rd minute.
Shannon Spoth also tested Starzyk in the 61st minute, but the Oswego goalkeeper made the save to preserve the scoreless contest.
Cox continued to anchor the Alfred State defense as Oswego looked to find the go-ahead goal. She turned away multiple shot attempts throughout the second half, keeping the Pioneers in the match. Cox finished with 11 saves across 90 minutes performing a strong game in goal.
Alfred State continued to search for the game wining shot in the closing minutes.
Tristyn Williams forced a save in the 82nd minute before
Stella Kwiatek followed with another shot on target not that far behind. The Pioneers remained within striking distance, but neither team was able to find the back of the net before the final whistle.
The Pioneers finished with 10 shots, including seven on goal, while earning one corner kick. Oswego recorded 17 shots and four corner kicks, but Alfred State's defensive effort and Cox's 11 saves helped secure the shutout on the road.
The Pioneers are back home on Saturday October 24
th for senior night to take on the Red Dragons of Oneonta at Pioneer Stadium for a 1 PM kickoff.
