The No. 16 William Smith soccer team suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to New Paltz on Saturday afternoon at South Turf Field, despite holding a significant advantage in shots. The defeat dropped the Herons to 4-2-0 on the season, while New Paltz improved to 4-2-0.
William Smith finished with a 19-9 edge in shots and put nine attempts on target compared with four for the Hawks. The Herons also earned five corner kicks while limiting New Paltz to one.
Senior goalkeeper Antonia Goerke played all 90 minutes for William Smith and made three saves. New Paltz goalkeeper Jess Centeri was busier, stopping all nine shots she faced to preserve the shutout.
The Herons created several opportunities during a scoreless first half. Rachel Lee had a shot blocked just 45 seconds into the match before Aleena Solano sent an attempt just over the crossbar off the ensuing corner kick.
Centeri then made a diving save on Lea Bryant in the third minute. New Paltz generated its best opportunity of the opening half in the 26th minute, but Goerke stopped Alyssa Deutsch’s attempt before Kara Jahrsdoerfer sent the rebound over the crossbar.
William Smith continued to apply pressure after halftime. Lily Pryzwansky hit the crossbar in the 47th minute, and Grace Sudbay struck the crossbar nine minutes later.
New Paltz finally broke through in the 78th minute when Abby Macleod’s shot from the top of the penalty area hit the crossbar before bouncing down across the goal line.
The Herons had a chance to equalize in the 82nd minute, but Centeri denied another attempt from Bryant.
William Smith returns to action Wednesday, September 23, when it hosts Rochester in a non-conference matchup at 7:30 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.