Seventeenth-ranked William Smith soccer opened Liberty League play with a 2-0 victory over Bard on Saturday afternoon at Lorenzo Ferrari Soccer and Lacrosse Complex.
The Herons improved to 5-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play after controlling possession and creating the majority of the scoring chances. William Smith finished with a commanding 28-3 advantage in shots and took both of the match’s corner kicks.
Grace Sudbay gave the Herons an early lead in the fourth minute, taking the ball away from a Bard defender near the top of the penalty area before moving to her right and firing a shot past the goalkeeper. It was Sudbay’s second goal of the season.
William Smith continued to pressure Bard throughout the opening half, with Grace Metzler, Addison Stockwin and Rachel Lee each having shots turned away. Metzler nearly doubled the lead before halftime, but Bard goalkeeper Thayden Hamilton-Howard made the save.
Bard’s best opportunity came five minutes into the second half when Melania Hracs tested William Smith goalkeeper Sevilla Anderson. Anderson stopped the attempt to preserve the shutout.
The Herons continued to threaten as the half progressed, with Metzler hitting the left post in the 76th minute.
William Smith finally added an insurance goal in the 88th minute when Brynn Schneider scored the first goal of her career. Lea Bryant collected a rebound inside the penalty area and slid the ball to Schneider, who sent a low shot into the lower-right corner.
Antonia Goerke and Anderson each played 45 minutes in goal for William Smith, combining for one save and the shutout. Hamilton-Howard and Julianna LaFond split time for Bard and combined for 12 saves.
William Smith returns to action Wednesday, September 30, visiting Liberty League rival Ithaca for a 4 p.m. kickoff.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
