UR women’s soccer captured two key firsts Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Clarion Classic: their first goal of the season and their first win of the season. The Yellowjackets took home this victory in a 1-0 shutout win over SUNY Geneseo, making their record 1-3.
This win was the second of two games played by the Yellowjackets in the Clarion Classic, hosted by SUNY Fredonia.
The Yellowjackets were defeated in their first game of the Classic on Friday, Sept. 7 in a 1-0 loss to host team Fredonia. During the game Fredonia outshot UR 18-8 and clinched the victory with just one goal in the second sudden death overtime, with 39 seconds left on the clock.
Despite the rocky start and a disappointing 0-3 record, the ’Jackets did not let these defeats dampen their spirits.
“The start of the season was definitely challenging, starting off playing the No. 21 and No. 3 teams in the country for our first two games,” senior goalkeeper Bridget Lang said. “Despite getting handed two losses, we learned a lot about ourselves and what it takes to be one of the top teams in the nation.”
After their third loss, the ’Jackets came back strong the following day and gave Geneseo a run for their money.
It was a tight match, with Geneseo outshooting UR 10-9. However, junior forward Grace Van der Ven came through for the ’Jackets in the end during the first sudden death overtime. She scored UR’s first goal of the season, directly off of a corner kick, with 40 seconds left on the clock, giving the ’Jackets the lead they needed to earn their first victory of the season.
Lang was also a key player in the match, making three saves to earn the shutout victory.
“I have been extremely proud of the way this team has played in all of the games,” Lang said. “It was great that we were able to find the back of the net for our first goal of the season against Geneseo this weekend.”
With their first win, the ’Jackets’ spirits are high and they are looking forward to a promising season.
“Our coach emphasized the point that it’s not how you start your season, but instead how you finish,” Lang said. “We have shown improvement since our first game, and I am confident that we will continue to get better each and every day.”
The ’Jackets home opener is against Rochester Institute of Technology on Wednesday, Sept. 12.
Cozen is a member of the class of 2015.
