No. 13 Hobart soccer scored early and relied on a strong defensive effort to hold off No. 22 Cortland 1-0 Sunday afternoon on Cozzens Field, improving to 9-2-0 on the season.
Ryan Sewell provided the only goal of the match in the 14th minute, finding the net on Hobart’s first shot of the afternoon. Weldon Arner and Quinn Phillips assisted on the play after Sewell collected a bouncing ball inside the box and sent his attempt off the right post and into the net.
Cortland controlled possession and generated far more offensive opportunities, finishing with a 21-8 advantage in shots and a 9-1 edge in corner kicks. The Red Dragons also put seven shots on target, but Hobart goalkeeper Jake Hans turned away all of them to record his latest shutout.
Hobart’s defense also came through in crucial moments. Noah Fischer prevented an early Cortland goal in the 11th minute with a team save on the goal line, while the Statesmen blocked seven shots throughout the match.
The Red Dragons continued to apply pressure after halftime, particularly after Hobart was shown a red card that forced the Statesmen to play a man down for the final 30 minutes.
Hans made several key stops during that stretch, including a diving save on Aidan Miller’s 30-yard attempt in the 73rd minute. Miller later had another opportunity, but Hobart blocked the shot.
Cortland was also reduced to 10 players after a red card with 12 minutes remaining, creating an even-strength finish. Hobart held on through the final whistle to secure its second straight victory over a nationally ranked opponent.
Hobart will close its four-game homestand Wednesday, October 7, against Liberty League rival Ithaca at 4 p.m. on Cozzens Field.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.