John Smith became the winningest coach in Cornell men’s soccer history Saturday as No. 17 Cornell defeated Western Michigan 2-0 at WMU Soccer Complex. The Big Red improved to 3-2-0, while Smith earned his 92nd career victory, moving him past Jack Writer for sole possession of first place on Cornell’s all-time wins list.
Lennon Harrington gave Cornell the lead in the 31st minute, converting a penalty kick after Dan McHale was fouled inside the box. Harrington’s goal sent the Big Red into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
Cornell controlled the opening half, outshooting Western Michigan 7-3 while creating several opportunities. Kasper Wollstein led the Big Red with four shots during the match, while goalkeeper Filip Versterre faced just one shot on target before halftime.
Connor Miller doubled Cornell’s lead in the 63rd minute, giving the midfielder his first goal of the match and providing the Big Red with additional breathing room. Miller finished with three shots, while Harrington added two shots on goal.
Cornell continued to control possession and pressure throughout the second half, eventually finishing with a 17-6 advantage in shots. The Big Red also put eight attempts on target compared with just one for the Broncos and earned 10 corner kicks to Western Michigan’s four.
Versterre was rarely tested as Cornell’s defense protected the lead. The goalkeeper needed only one save to record the shutout, with Western Michigan unable to generate another shot on target during the final 45 minutes.
The Big Red had additional opportunities late from Wollstein, Miller and Calvin Momanyi but could not add to their advantage.
Cornell returns home Tuesday, September 22, to host Binghamton. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.