The Geneseo women's soccer team lost both of its games last weekend, falling to 6-3-1 for the year and 2-2-1 in SUNYAC play. The women were shut out in a 3-0 loss Friday at SUNY Oneonta and lost 3-1 at SUNY New Paltz Saturday.
Oneonta took an early 1-0 lead in the first half on Friday. The Red Dragons retained that lead into the half, later netting two second half goals to extend its lead to three and outshooting the Knights 12-6. Senior Katie Clerkin made four saves in goal for Geneseo, taking her second loss of the year.
"We were playing a good team in Oneonta," head coach Nate Wiley said. "We didn't give up a lot of shots. Unfortunately, the ones we gave up were quality shots."
Geneseo also suffered a setback injury in the game when junior Anne Beinetti sustained a concussion and was unable to play in Saturday's game at New Paltz. Beinetti is the team's leading scorer with eight goals this season.
"Anytime you lose your leading goal scorer, it changes the complexion of the game," Wiley said.
On Saturday, New Paltz scored two goals within a five minute window to take a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. The game remained at that score for much of the second half until the Knights were able to get the ball into the net with less than two minutes left in the game. Junior Bre Glynn scored her second goal of the year with assistance from junior Kelly Bergin and freshman Kelly Quinn.
Geneseo's comeback came to a quick end as New Paltz put the game away less than a minute later on a breakaway. Clerkin made two saves in goal for Geneseo, and the Knights were outshot for the second straight game 13-12.
"New Paltz played with a lot of energy and a lot of confidence," Wiley said. New Paltz had celebrated a big 1-0 win over Brockport the previous day while Geneseo was still recouping from its loss to Oneonta.
Until last weekend, Geneseo had allowed only one goal in its first eight games of the season, starting the year with an impressive 6-1-1 record. In these latest two games, the Knights allowed six goals and suffered two losses. The Knights have two non-conference games coming up about which Wiley feels the team can regain its stride.
"It's about competing for 90 minutes, which we didn't do this weekend," Wiley said. "We have to get back to the right mindset to taking care of the little things."
The two losses move Geneseo into a congested battle for a spot at the SUNYAC.
"We're all right," Wiley added. "We're in a better position now than we were at this time last year."
Geneseo travels to Westminster, Penn. on Saturday for a non-conference matchup before continuing SUNYAC play the following weekend.
Ed. Note: The Knights rebounded with a strong performance on Wednesday defeating Keuka College, 3-0.