Preview: Oswego State men’s, women’s SUNYAC first round

For the first time since 2024, both Oswego State soccer teams have made it into the SUNYAC playoffs. Similarly, both made it in by the skin of their teeth.

The Lakers men’s team (4-7-2, 2-4-2 SUNYAC) made it into the playoffs after capturing a win over SUNY Potsdam in the final regular-season game of the year. The victory earned them the eighth seed over Alfred State, which finished one point fewer, even after beating the Lakers 2-1 on Oct. 21.

The women’s team, on the other hand, punched its ticket to the conference playoffs near the end of the regular season, although it turned out to be a lot less dramatic than the men’s side. The women won three of their final four games and tied the other, finishing the regular season at 5-7-3 overall, with a 3-2-3 conference record.

The men’s team will travel to SUNY Fredonia to take on the Blue Devils, who enter as the fifth seed with a 5-2-1 SUNYAC record and a previous 1-0 win over Oswego earlier in the season. The women’s team will stay in the port city and welcome SUNY Potsdam, which the Lakers defeated decisively in a 6-1 win just four days ago.

Oswego vs. Fredonia (men’s game)

As mentioned before, the Blue Devils defeated the Lakers 1-0 on Sept. 30, in part by limiting Oswego’s leading goal scorer, Ian Husselbeck, to just one shot on goal. Husselbeck, who ranks among the SUNYAC’s top scorers, leads the Lakers in nearly every offensive category, making it crucial for Oswego to get him involved offensively if it hopes to advance. Otherwise, the Lakers could be in for another low-scoring affair in Western New York.

Across the field, Fredonia brings a more balanced offensive attack to the pitch, with five players recording at least six points this season. Leading the way are defenders Kuby Jackson and Dylan McAfee, who have each tallied seven points.

Defensively, the Blue Devils have been one of the conference’s stronger teams, allowing just 18 goals, the fifth-fewest in the SUNYAC, while ranking second in shutouts with eight. Senior goalkeeper Thomas McDonald has played a key role in that success, giving Fredonia a strong presence between the posts.

For Oswego to pull off the upset, the Lakers will need to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, something they struggled to do against the Blue Devils earlier this season. Kickoff for this game is at 4 p.m. Oct. 28.

Potsdam vs. Oswego (women’s game)

When comparing game difficulty between both Laker teams, the women hold a big advantage. Potsdam is by no means going to roll over, but the Lakers dominated the Bears in their final game of the season, controlling the game offensively from start to finish in a 6-1 victory thanks to a hat trick from Solange Catano-Matip.

Oswego’s offense is led by Catano-Matip, who has a team-high 14 points, while Sabrina Schmitt leads the Lakers with five goals and Kyla Sustad rounds out the top three with nine points. Potsdam’s biggest threats are Mikayla Jaros and Adrianna Orlando, who have scored seven goals apiece. Another thing to watch is penalties and fouls; the Bears have received more yellow cards this season and lead in fouls, 128 to Oswego’s 86.

If Oswego can contain Potsdam’s offense and capitalize on the Bears’ undisciplined play, the Lakers have a strong chance to advance to a more challenging second round. The rematch of the final game of the season is set for 4 p.m. at Laker Turf.