Keuka women’s soccer held a one-goal lead at halftime Saturday afternoon, but Russell Sage scored twice after the break to hand the Wolves a 2-1 defeat in their Empire 8 opener.
Keuka dropped to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play, while Russell Sage remained unbeaten at 5-0 and moved to 1-0 in the Empire 8. The loss came despite a competitive performance that saw the teams finish nearly even across the stat sheet.
Junior Lydia Lane continued her productive start to the season by scoring Keuka’s lone goal in the 20th minute. Lane finished a chance at 19:05 to give the Wolves an early advantage after Keuka had already earned two corner kicks.
Keuka’s defense protected the lead through the remainder of the opening half, limiting Russell Sage to four shots and carrying the 1-0 advantage into halftime.
The Gators changed the game after the break, finding the equalizer in the 58th minute before scoring again just over 10 minutes later to take their first lead.
Keuka continued pressing for an equalizer and created several opportunities during the final stages. Anna Leone forced a save in the 74th minute, while Sam Bates, Delaney Goodenow and Bailey Cook each had chances late, but Russell Sage goalkeeper kept the Wolves off the scoreboard.
Keuka finished with nine shots compared with 10 for Russell Sage, while both teams put four attempts on target and earned four corner kicks.
Lane’s goal was her third of the season, establishing a new career high for goals in a single season. Saturday also marked first-year head coach Jeremy Loncao’s first Empire 8 contest with the Wolves.
Keuka returns home Wednesday, September 16, to host SUNY Canton at 4 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.