The Geneseo women's soccer team opened up SUNYAC play this weekend with a 1-0 victory over SUNY Brockport. They also improved to 5-1 on the season.
Head coach Nate Wiley said that opening conference play with a win was important because of the parity within the league. He added that it was "nice to approach the conference from a different vantage point" after the team struggled early last year before ultimately winning the SUNYAC championship.
During the first half, Geneseo had a great shot advantage, outshooting the Golden Eagles 13-3. Junior Anne Beinetti scored the lone goal of the game unassisted for the Knights in the half, placing a shot over the goalie and under the crossbar from a tough angle. It was Beinetti's seventh goal of the year.
"We've told her a balanced shot is a good shot," Wiley said. "She's a good a shot as anyone in the conference, maybe the country."
Brockport applied pressure in the first minute of the second half following the opening kick, but Geneseo was able to quickly regain and maintain possession of the ball. Geneseo's forwards were able to create some opportunities in the second half; Beinetti, senior Jane Matejcik and junior Kelly Bergin each had opportunities.
"They are doing a good job knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses," Wiley said. "Anytime you work as hard as they do, you're going find opportunities."
Later in the half, Geneseo had a string of opportunities but was unable to add an insurance goal. Junior Bre Glynn rocketed a shot off of the crossbar, but the Knights were unable to finish the rebound.
Brockport rallied late but was unable to score the tying goal. Senior Katie Clerkin made six saves in goal for her fourth shutout of the season. Wiley gave a lot of credit to the back line, particularly to freshman Alexa Vojvodic who entered during the second half after sophomore Bethany Kwarta left with an injury. "Alexa did a great job taking Bethany's spot," Wiley said. "She's a freshman and we're asking her to play at a high level in a competitive match."
Wiley added that the back line has been the staple of the team for the last few years. He said that it was an adjustment for back line players to have to make so many plays, especially late in the game the Knights have held a huge shot advantage over the opponent in previous matches. Geneseo outshot Brockport 26-11 on the game, but the Knights had to make five saves in the second half.
Geneseo looks to extend its four-game winning streak as the team continues SUNYAC play this weekend. The Knights host SUNY Potsdam on Friday and SUNY Plattsburgh on Saturday.