Delhi, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team fell in a tough road contest to the SUNY Delhi Broncos, 3-1. Goalie Rylee Unebasami made a game-high 15 saves, keeping the Wildcats in the match, while Kara Mertz and Rori Novack contributed crucial offensive efforts. The loss drops SUNY Poly to 0-3-1 on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

SUNY Delhi struck early in the fifth minute when Madison Thorbourne's shot was saved by Unebasami, but just over a minute later, Camelia Cruz converted a goal for the Broncos, giving Delhi a 1-0 lead. Delhi continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, with Lauryn Schmid and Ava Battista testing Unebasami multiple times. In the 22nd minute, Madison Thorbourne set up Kailey Leach, who found the back of the net to make it 2-0.

SUNY Poly responded midway through the first half. Kara Mertz scored in the 33rd minute off a feed from Aubree Smykla and Rori Novack, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Wildcats pressed for an equalizer before halftime, but Delhi goalkeeper Morgan Krouse made several stops to preserve the Broncos' lead. The half ended with Delhi leading 2-1.

The second half saw continued offensive action from both sides. Delhi added an insurance goal in the 71st minute when Callisthene Vonderweidt found the net, pushing the score to 3-1. The Wildcats fought back, creating multiple chances, including shots from Brooke Bush and Abigail Hughes, but Krouse and the Delhi defense were up to the task.

Poly earned a late corner kick and applied pressure in the final minutes, but Delhi held firm. Unebasami made several key saves late in the match to keep the score close, including stops on Madison Thorbourne and Kailey Leach in the 85th minute. Despite the effort, the Wildcats were unable to find a second equalizer.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats hit the road for a matchup with the Bard College Raptors on September 9th at 6:00 PM.