Morrisville, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over SUNY Morrisville on Sunday afternoon. The Wildcats struck early, with Kara Mertz finding the back of the net in the 10th minute off an assist from Rylee Unebasami. SUNY Poly's defense held strong throughout the remainder of the match, while goalkeeper Skylar Blackwell made several key saves to preserve the shutout and secure the Wildcats' victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
SUNY Poly and SUNY Morrisville traded scoring chances early, with both goalkeepers making saves in the opening minutes. Blackwell stopped shots from Briana Repscher and Gina Blake, while Morrisville goalkeeper Ainslie Romasco made saves on attempts from Yetneliz Lugo Mateo and Abigail Hughes.
The Wildcats broke through in the 10th minute when Mertz found the back of the net at 9:26, with Unebasami providing the assist, to give SUNY Poly a 1-0 lead.
Morrisville continued to create opportunities throughout the first half, but Blackwell came up with several important saves to keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard. Blackwell denied shots from Jaidon Brodie and Madelyne Reid as SUNY Poly maintained its one-goal advantage.
The Wildcats also continued to pressure the Morrisville defense. Unebasami and Katelyn Meehan each recorded shots on goal that were saved by Romasco, while Samantha Barrett, Hughes and Brooke Arduini also created opportunities late in the half. SUNY Poly carried its 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure after the break, with Lugo Mateo recording multiple scoring chances early in the second half. Romasco made saves on shots from Lugo Mateo and Hughes to keep Morrisville within one goal.
SUNY Poly continued to control possession and generate opportunities, with Lugo Mateo testing Romasco again in the 63rd minute. The Wildcats' defensive unit remained organized on the other end, limiting Morrisville's chances and protecting the lead.
Morrisville created several opportunities during the final 15 minutes, but the Wildcats' defense continued to stand strong. Shots from Klaire Keppel, Jaidon Brodie, Kayla McCormick and Alexis Clark all went wide of the SUNY Poly goal as Blackwell and the Wildcats' back line preserved the shutout.
SUNY Poly closed out the match with a strong defensive effort, securing the 1-0 victory and another shutout.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Thursday, September 10, when they host Bard College. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
