Broome’s speed too much for the Lady Spartans

The Lady Spartans traveled to Broome Community College in Binghamton today for a Saturday matinee and once again contained a more dominant offensive side for the first 45 minutes, before the Hornets' speed took over in the second half, giving the home side a 4-0 victory.

The Spartans played on their heels and in their own defensive third for the majority of the match, resulting in Broome getting their first strike in the 29^th minute as Miranda DiSanctis found her way through the Spartans last two defenders and beat goalie Breanne Becker (Lusby, Maryland) on a breakaway to the far right corner. 

As been the case all season, when the Spartans get down a goal they seem to settle in a bit more focused and it showed, as they had the better of play from the 30^th minute on to the halftime whistle.

Coming into the break, down 1-0, a couple physical setbacks allowed Broome's speed to really expose the middle and defensive thirds of the Spartans line up at the start of the second half, culminating in a quick goal from Marisa Valdes (39^th minute), with the assist going to Abby Godbout.  Once again the Spartans shape became stronger and they held off the Hornets until the 18^th and 12^th minutes respectively, where Valdes would get her second and third goals on the day.

Coach Renaud had the following observations at the conclusion of the match: "Broome was obviously the better team today and their speed was a huge factor in our inability to get much going on in our offensive third.  They were the best passing team we have faced and certainly utilize their runs into open space better than anyone we have seen in the early season. "

"With that said, we were timid at attacking the 50/50 balls in the air, and when you give that part of the game up, you are going to lose the midfield possession game, which eventually lead to the shot and goal differential on today's scoresheet."

"We are relying too much on Segretto, Mayville and Becker (24 saves) to keep us in the games, and over the course of a full 90 minute match, something is going to give and it did today.  We need to have better composure and contained defense to the ball from all 11 on the pitch.  Once we focus our game and keep our supporting shape, we play well, even against the stronger teams in the region, such as Broome.  We cannot start off giving up possession so easily in the middle third. We simply need to be hungrier for the ball.  When we do, scores will be closer and hopefully we will add some numbers to our win column."

The Spartans next match is the Wednesday, 9/19 against their neighbor and fellow MSAC member, Onondaga Community College. Kick-off is slated for 3 p.m.

Statistics: 

Shots- Broome 42, Cayuga 2; Offsides- Broome 3 Cayuga 0; Fouls- Broome 6, Cayuga 4.  Saves-  Broome Roys 2, Cayuga- Bre Becker 24.  Corner Kicks- Broome 4, Cayuga 0