Connor Miller delivered another late-game winner against UC Santa Barbara, scoring in the 87th minute Friday night to lift Cornell men’s soccer to a 2-1 victory over the 21st-ranked Gauchos at Berman Field.
The win moved the Big Red to 2-0 to begin the season, while UC Santa Barbara dropped to 1-1-2.
Miller, a senior All-American, finished a left-footed shot from the top of the penalty area after Blake Donahue and Lennon Harrington combined to create the opportunity. The goal was Miller’s first of the season and gave Cornell the lead for good in its home opener.
For the second consecutive season, Cornell secured a victory over UC Santa Barbara with a goal in the final minutes. Liam May scored in the 89th minute of last year’s meeting in California, giving the Big Red a 1-0 victory.
Cornell opened the scoring shortly after halftime when Adam Schaban forced a turnover and finished a left-footed shot off a cross from Andrew Miles in the 47th minute. Schaban now has two goals through the team’s first two matches.
The Gauchos responded in the 68th minute when Steinar Bjornsson sent a right-footed shot from 25 yards into the net off an assist from Donovan Sessoms. UC Santa Barbara nearly took the lead moments earlier when a shot struck the crossbar.
Despite the late pressure, Cornell controlled much of the match. The Big Red finished with a 20-4 advantage in shots, including a 6-2 edge in shots on goal, and earned all 12 corner kicks. Cornell also held a 9-0 shot advantage in the opening half.
Filip Versterre made one save in goal for Cornell.
Cornell begins a three-game road trip Tuesday, September 8, against No. 9 Akron at 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.