Troy, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to Russell Sage College on Wednesday afternoon. The Wildcats fell behind early before Abigail Hughes tied the match in the 25th minute with an assist from Rylee Unebasami. Russell Sage regained the lead early in the second half before adding another goal in the 65th minute to secure the victory. Skylar Blackwell made several saves throughout the match to keep the Wildcats within striking distance.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Russell Sage opened the scoring just 1:13 into the match when Sofia Sanzo found the back of the net off an assist from Eva Hirschoff to give the Gators an early 1-0 lead.
Blackwell kept the Wildcats within one throughout the opening minutes, making saves on shots from Julianna Shannon, Grace Hogan and Sanzo as Russell Sage continued to apply pressure.
SUNY Poly created its first strong chance in the 20th minute when Lily Arduini put a shot on goal, but Russell Sage goalkeeper Emma Fogarty made the save.
The Wildcats answered in the 25th minute when Hughes scored to level the match at 1-1, with Unebasami providing the assist.
Poly generated additional chances late in the half, with Unebasami sending a shot high and Kara Mertz putting a shot wide as the teams entered halftime tied.
Russell Sage regained the lead in the 51st minute when Rosalynn Sanchez scored off an assist from Sanzo to make it 2-1.
Blackwell continued to keep the Wildcats in the match, making saves on attempts from Shannon, Sanzo and Mia O'Brien while Russell Sage maintained pressure early in the second half.
Russell Sage extended its lead in the 65th minute when Sanzo scored off an assist from O'Brien, giving the Gators a 3-1 advantage.
SUNY Poly continued to battle in the closing minutes, earning a corner kick in the 76th minute before Lily Jessop put a shot on goal in the 85th minute that was saved by Fogarty.
The Wildcats continued to compete through the final whistle, but Russell Sage held on for the 3-1 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, October 10, when they travel to Elmira College for a 1 p.m. matchup.
