X

Clarkson men's soccer drops 1-0 decision at 22nd-ranked Cortland Buffalo State

Posted 9/14/16

CORTLAND – Goalkeeper Michael King was busy for the Clarkson University Men's Soccer team against 22nd-ranked Cortland State, but the senior couldn't hold off the Red Dragons forever as the Golden …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Clarkson men's soccer drops 1-0 decision at 22nd-ranked Cortland Buffalo State

Posted

CORTLAND – Goalkeeper Michael King was busy for the Clarkson University Men's Soccer team against 22nd-ranked Cortland State, but the senior couldn't hold off the Red Dragons forever as the Golden Knights dropped a 1-0 decision on Wednesday afternoon.

The Golden Knights, ranked eighth in the NSCAA East Region rankings, fell to 3-2-1, while Cortland, ranked third in the NSCAA East Region rankings along with their spot in the national poll, improved to 5-0-0. Clarkson will continue its run against SUNYAC schools when it faces Buffalo State on Saturday afternoon.

The Red Dragons controlled the play in the first half, especially in the first 10 minutes when they flooded the Clarkson defensive zone with five shots and three corner kicks. Overall, Cortland outshot the Knights 14-2 in the first half, though its edge in corner kick chances was a more modest 4-3.

Clarkson's first chance at the Cortland frame came at the 29:53 mark when a shot by Aidan Subra was blocked, and the Knights challenged the Red Dragons' goalie at 35:10 with an attempt from James Homan.

Little changed to start the second half as Cortland continued its offensive barrage against the Knights, but fortunately the early shots were wide, high or blocked by the Clarkson defenders.

Clarkson goalkeeper Michael King was up to the task in the first half and continued so until the Red Dragons were awarded a penalty kick in the 52nd minute. Cortland's Nick Tata was able to sneak a shot past the Knights' senior keeper at 51:47 to give the Dragons a 1-0 advantage.

Clarkson began to see things sway its way in the latter portion of the second half as the Golden Knights took four shots and received a corner kick from the 71st minute to the 79th minute, but the Knights were never able to find the equalizer.

Cortland finished the game with a 28-10 advantage in shots, though the margin was just 14-8 in the second half.

Clarkson enjoyed more corner kick chances (8-7). Michael King was a standout in the Clarkson goal, making 11 saves, his highest single-game total since he made 11 against the very same Red Dragons on August 30, 2014. Joe Brandofino made two saves to earn the shutout for Cortland.