Men’s Soccer – Lakers Defeat Cayuga Behind Another Solid Team Effort
CANANDAIGUA – The Finger Lakes CC Lakers continue to play inspired soccer.
Taking on the Cayuga CC Spartans (conference member) at home yesterday, FLCC delivered a solid all-around effort on each end of the field – both offensively and defensively. The Lakers, who were aiming for their fourth straight home win, were facing a tenacious team in the visitors – on what was a down right cold day on Friday in Canandaigua. Battling the frigid air, Finger Lakes (8-9-2, 2-2 MSAC) picked up that fourth home win (along with its second conference victory of the season) in a row by downing the Spartans – 5-nil.
Possession control favored the hosts throughout a majority of the conference matchup. The Lakers, who gathered a goal just 6 minutes into the game – thanks to a Brandon Zaov helper – brought a great deal of energy to the pitch all afternoon long. After Zaov's goal was had, which was assisted by freshman Connor Jackson, FLCC struck the back of Cayuga's net 6 minutes later yet again. Notching that score for the home team was Michael Cooper.
Leading 2-nil after Cooper's marker, the Lakers would wait until the second half before rediscovering the scoring charts. The Spartans, after FLCC went up 2-0, kept the Lakers offense quiet for the remainder of the first half. That would all change post intermission – as FLCC's offense would catch fire again in the second half.
In half number two, the Lakers would add a trio of goals – solidifying the shutout. Clayton Lovelace found the goal-scoring column at minute 54 when he struck a shot pass Cayuga's keeper. His score pushed FLCC's lead to 3-nil.
It didn't take long for the Lakers to enter their fourth score of the day onto the scoreboard. 60 seconds later at minute 55, Finger Lakes defender Tyler Coyle nudged the ball in between Cayuga's crossbars – upping the lead for FLCC to 4-0. Jackson was credited with the assist.
Just five minutes later in the games 60th minute, Jackson would claim the Lakers fifth and final goal of the afternoon. Coyle, who was liable for the assist, returned a favor to Jackson just moments after Jackson set him up for a score. Jackson finished the contest with a game-high 4 points (1 goal and 2 assists).
Overall, the Lakers outshot the Spartans by a clip of 16-2 on Friday. Shane Bly started in the crease for FLCC and was later relieved by teammate Matthew MacKerchar. Both tenders turned in quality performances in the win. Bly, who tended the net for 60 minutes, finished the contest with a pair of saves while MacKerchar contributed a save in 30 minutes worth of action.
In a losing effort, Cayuga's goalie Bior Ajak performed well in the 90-minute meeting – citing several great stops.
The loss dropped the Spartans 2012 record to 3-10-1. They will play next on Tuesday (10/16) when they travel to Sanborn, NY, where they will take on Niagara County CC.
The Lakers will be back in action tomorrow when they will play their final home game of the regular season. They will take on #4 nationally ranked Tompkins Cortland CC at 1:00 p.m.