OSWEGO, N.Y. – Coming off their impressive preseason efforts, the Oswego State women’s soccer team (0-1) suffered a 3-0 shutout loss to the visiting Brockport Golden Eagles (1-0) on a humid Tuesday evening.

The two squads launched a pair of shots on net each within the first 10 minutes, headlining a back-and-forth start. The Lakers then utilized a physical backline to suffocate their opposition, with Julia Carter and Grace Clary winning critical one-on-one speed battles to force ball handlers into tough spots. 

Brockport matched the defensive intensity of their adversary, though, as a trio of shots by Laker forward Kyla Sustad were fended off by opposing keeper Emily McCane. McCane helped the Golden Eagles turn defense into offense, as on the other end, Brianna Marino used impressive footwork to speed past her assignment before delivering a pitch-perfect pass to Amelia Breton, who found the back of the net with a powerful one-timer. 

After Breton handed the Golden Eagles a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime, Olivia Davis made an impressive diving stop to open the ensuing 45. Davis immediately flipped defense into offense by making a lead pass to Luna Catano-Matip, although the midfielder launched a shot just over the crossbar.

After the misfire from the Lakers, the speedy Marino received a pass in the corner, juked one Laker, then connected on a high-arcing, magnificently-placed shot past the outstretched hand of Oswego goalie Lamia Kosick. 

The Golden Eagles didn’t let their foot off the gas pedal following their new 2-0 cushion, as they continued to force Oswego into tight corners. The Lakers were eventually successful in getting into their offensive zone down the stretch, although errant passes and tight defense from the visiting squad prevented any continued momentum. 

Brockport put the icing on the cake with six minutes to go, when Alana Yahoudy used her aerial skills to lift a corner kick past Kosick, helping the Golden Eagles secure a 3-0 win.

Oswego ended with seven unsuccessful attempts on net, underlining a Laker squad that struggled to find their offensive footing. However, head coach Brian McGrane still recognizes the bright spots within his young core. 

“I thought we played hard and well,” McGrane said. “We had so much inexperience out there with eight new faces that didn’t play a minute last year, so I thought our ability to compete was there.”

Sophomore Lamia Kosick saved three from the opposition, who concluded with six total shots and converted on half, over the full 90. Senior Emily McCane made seven saves and allowed no goals, securing the second full-time shutout of her collegiate career. 

The Lakers are now set to travel to Clinton, New York, for a battle with the Hamilton Continentals. Looking ahead to next weekend’s matchup, McGrane wants his core to clean up their play on the technical side of things.

“We have to focus on our touch, our ability to play quick and have a purpose for where we’re playing,” McGrane said. 

Kickoff between the Lakers and Continentals is set for Saturday, Sep. 5 at 3:00 p.m. on Love Field.