William Smith soccer picked up its third win of the season Sunday afternoon, scoring once in each half before holding off No. 21 Carnegie Mellon 2-1 on Cozzens Field. The Herons improved to 3-1-0, while the Tartans dropped to 2-1-1.
ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football returns home to host Louisville Saturday night (preview) First-year Grace Sudbay and senior Charlotte Brown provided the offense for William Smith, while senior goalkeeper Antonia Goerke delivered a career performance to preserve the victory. Goerke played all 90 minutes and recorded a career-high nine saves.
The Herons opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Sudbay intercepted a clearing attempt and sent a shot toward goal from just outside the 18-yard box. The attempt deflected off a Carnegie Mellon defender, struck the left post and found the back of the net for Sudbay’s first collegiate goal.
William Smith doubled its advantage six minutes into the second half. Grace Metzler delivered a cross toward the penalty spot, where Brown one-timed the ball off the crossbar and over the goal line for her second goal in as many games.
Carnegie Mellon answered in the 62nd minute when Alma Zhong lifted a left-footed shot from the top of the 18-yard box over Goerke and into the upper-left corner.
The Tartans controlled much of the remainder of the contest, recording each of the final nine shots. Goerke made several important stops, including a diving save in the closing seconds, while William Smith’s defense also blocked multiple attempts during a dangerous sequence in the 71st minute.
Carnegie Mellon finished with a 20-10 advantage in shots and held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks, but the Herons held on for the win.
William Smith will begin a six-game road trip Wednesday, September 16, at Geneseo. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
