The Geneseo women’s soccer team finished the regular season in a dominant fashion on Saturday Oct. 22 with a 3-0 victory over SUNY Plattsburgh and an overall record of eight wins and two losses. With this impressive feat, the women not only boast an excellent record, but also have clinched the second seed and a first-round bye to the SUNYAC Tournament.
What made this day even more special was the fact that it was Senior Day for the graduating class. Head coach Nathan Wiley thought that this tradition was great for the players; Wiley acknowledged that there is much more emotion that goes into these games than some would suspect, as this is the last time the seniors will be competing on their home field.
“It is a credit to play well and get the result we want,” Wiley said.
A key contributor to the success of the Knights was senior midfielder Emily Green, who netted the first goal that day.
The team was also victorious against SUNY Potsdam on Friday Oct. 21. Senior midfielder Laurie Knapp netted the game’s only goal in a 1-0 victory.
“We have played very well defensively,” Wiley said. “Our ability to attack the goal has led to great success.”
The multiple goals scored against Plattsburgh in the last regular season match of the year is evidence of the Knights’ strong offense. Over the previous two games against Plattsburgh and Potsdam, the women have not allowed in any goals against them, proving that their defense is exceedingly successful.
As far as correcting any weaknesses his players might carry, Wiley believes that their most recent success is attributed to what the team does well.
“These women have done excellent in honing their strengths consistently throughout the last two matches,” Wiley said.
Wiley had nothing but positive things to say with regard to a potential run in the playoffs. Even though the women have been playing excellent soccer as of late, there are still many areas of their game that need to be consistently evaluated.
“With a little more than a week to prepare for the semifinal match, the women must remain focused and determined,” Wiley said. “We need to stay healthy and active if we are to be successful during the playoffs next week.”
Even though the team is on a first-round bye for the SUNYAC Tournament, there are still several aspects of their game that need to be cleaned up before playoffs begin.
“We need to pressure up the field better and take better advantage of opportunities around the net and restarts,” Wiley said
In the meantime, the women continue to work on strengthening their skills. They hope to win on Wednesday Nov. 2 to move on to the SUNYAC Tournament finals.