The 12th-ranked Hobart soccer team secured a 2-0 Liberty League victory over Skidmore on Saturday at Wachenheim Field, scoring twice after halftime to improve its season record.
The Statesmen moved to 10-2-1 overall and 3-2-1 in conference play, while Skidmore fell to 4-5-3 and 1-2-1 in league action.
Hobart goalkeeper Jake Hans played a key role in the shutout, making seven saves to record his fourth clean sheet of the season. The Thoroughbreds held a 19-9 advantage in total shots and earned seven corner kicks, but Hans and the Statesmen defense kept them off the scoreboard.
Skidmore created several early chances, including a shot that struck the crossbar in the opening minutes. Hans also made a pair of important stops during the initial pressure. Hobart gradually found opportunities of its own, but neither side scored before halftime.
The Thoroughbreds threatened again early in the second half. In the 51st minute, a blocked shot fell to Quinn McInerney, whose follow-up attempt was denied by a diving Hans.
Hobart broke through in the 57th minute when sophomore Gabe Smith gathered a loose ball, worked around a defender and placed a shot into the bottom-right corner. The goal was Smith’s fourth of the season.
Hans continued to protect the advantage, including a diving save against Nathan Gritzmacher five minutes later.
Junior Brady Leitner provided insurance in the 80th minute, finishing a pass from Quinn Phillips into the left corner. Leitner’s seventh goal of the season leads the Statesmen.
Hobart returns to action Saturday, October 17, with a road matchup against Vassar in Poughkeepsie. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
