Potsdam, NY – For the second straight day, the Clarkson University Women’s Soccer team competed valiantly against one of the Liberty League’s elite, but once again a highly-regarded opponent, this time Skidmore College, outlasted the Golden Knights by a single goal, winning 1-0 Saturday afternoon at Clarkson Field.
The Golden Knights fell to 2-6-0 overall and 0-2-0 in Liberty League games, while Skidmore improved to 7-1-1 overall and 2-0-0 in conference games. Clarkson will visit conference-rival St. Lawrence next Thursday in Canton, NY.
In the first half, Clarkson started off with a pair of chances, but the crosses were met by Skidmore goalie Meghan Sleezer. Those two early chances were all that the Golden Knights would have until late in the half as Skidmore was able to possess the ball for long stretches. Those long stretches didn’t create many chances, however, as the Thoroughbreds had just three shots through the first 27 minutes of action. Both defenses loosened up somewhat in the final third of the half as Clarkson keeper Stephanie Collins (Colton, NY) was called upon to make a handful of saves that required some quick thinking and fast reflexes. Late in the half, Clarkson got a pair of shots off, but neither shot was on goal.
The second half started with a soaring shot on goal from Clarkson’s Meryn Lounsbury (North Norwich, NY), but Skidmore again controlled the play in the Clarkson defensive end. However, the Knights were able to snuff out most of the Thoroughbreds’ opportunities, allowing just two shots through the first 16 minutes.
Midway through the half Skidmore had a flurry of shots, with two being saved by Collins. After making an easy stop, a deflection gave Skidmore’s Alyssa Miller took a shot from 25 yards out that nicked the crossbar and bounced out, but Abby Benton cleared the frame on the next shot to keep the game scoreless.
Skidmore finally got on the scoreboard with 14:22 remaining as a cross from Lindsay Schmitt was nearly cleared on a header by a Clarkson defender, but the ball sailed over top to find Rebecca Russo just inside the penalty area. Russo settled the ball and carried it in a few yards before popping a shot into the far corner of the net for the game’s only goal.
Collins played exceptionally well in goal for Clarkson, making 12 saves as well as several other key stops on crosses and corners. Skidmore’s Sleezer made a single save to start the second half to record the shutout. The Thoroughbreds finished with a 23-4 edge in shots and a 5-1 lead in corner kicks.
