William Smith soccer closed out its six-game road trip on a high note Saturday afternoon, earning a 1-0 victory over Clarkson in a Liberty League matchup at Hantz Field. The Herons won their third straight game and improved to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
Kristin Middaugh provided the only goal of the afternoon in the 56th minute, collecting a pass from Grace Metzler before sending a shot past Clarkson goalkeeper Kenzie Roth for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.
William Smith controlled possession and generated chances throughout the match, finishing with a 13-4 advantage in shots. The Herons nearly broke through several times before halftime, with Middaugh sending an attempt just over the crossbar in the seventh minute and having another shot stopped by Roth four minutes later.
Grace Metzler came even closer in the 36th minute when her shot struck the crossbar, keeping the match scoreless at halftime.
The Herons continued applying pressure after the break. Izzy Thors and Miranda DeMura each had attempts blocked before Middaugh finally put William Smith ahead. Brynn Schneider nearly doubled the lead one minute later, but Roth made the save.
Clarkson managed only four shots throughout the afternoon, with Gabrielle Cyganik producing one of the Golden Knights’ better opportunities late in the match before her attempt sailed wide.
Antonia Goerke played all 90 minutes in goal for William Smith and recorded the shutout. Roth finished with three saves for Clarkson.
The victory completed a 4-2 record for William Smith during its six-game road trip.
The Herons return home Tuesday, October 6, to host RIT at Cozzens Field. The Liberty League matchup is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.