Grace Metzler scored twice, including a late insurance goal, as William Smith soccer defeated Ithaca 3-1 in a Liberty League matchup Wednesday afternoon at Carp Wood Field.
ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football returns from bye week for road matchup against UConn (preview) The Herons improved to 6-3-0 overall and 2-0-0 in conference play. Kristin Middaugh also scored for William Smith, while senior goalkeeper Antonia Goerke made five saves across 90 minutes.
William Smith struck first in the sixth minute when Metzler collected a loose ball inside the penalty area following a corner kick and slipped a shot past Ithaca goalkeeper Katrina Varnum. Izzy Thors was credited with the assist.
The Herons doubled their advantage in the 60th minute. Middaugh intercepted an attempted clearance and finished with her left foot into the lower-left corner for her team-leading third goal of the season.
Ithaca cut into the deficit with less than two minutes remaining in regulation. Meghan Maragioglio received a looping pass from Zara Nourie and chipped a shot over Goerke for her first goal of the season.
William Smith responded just 68 seconds later to put the game away. Metzler broke free down the left side and finished her breakaway chance for her second goal of the afternoon.
Goerke made several important stops throughout the match, including two point-blank saves early in the contest. She also recorded three saves during the second half as Ithaca increased its pressure following Middaugh’s goal.
William Smith finished with a 14-13 advantage in shots and held a 9-6 edge in shots on goal. Both teams earned four corner kicks.
The Herons will return to action Saturday, October 3, when they visit Clarkson in Potsdam, New York. The match is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.