Women's Soccer Falls in Opener at Clinton CC

The Lady Spartans traveled north to Plattsburgh, NY this afternoon to take on Clinton Community College and came away with a 4-1 defeat, but not without inspired play for the first official contest of the 2013 season.

 

Clinton would open the scoring in the 17th minute when Kaila McGowan put home a rebound off from the post. Cayuga responded less than 2 minutes later in the 18th minute when Theresa Miller floated a beautiful volley over the head of Courtney Backus on a beautiful through ball by Madison Robillard, for her first career goal. It would only take Clinton three more minutes to find the back on of the net on the game winner, when Alexis Lamora would get in behind the defense for Clinton's second unassisted goal of the half. The Lady Spartans continued to press until the halftime whistle, gave themselves a couple of nice chances on net with nice crossing runs by Chelsea Galuski and Ashley Windhausen up front.

 

The second half started out with the same intensity as the first by both sides, leading to a game ending knee injury for team captain Brooke Mayville. Kaitlyn Coningsby took over sweeper responsibilities and kept the back four in check, but as time wore on, the Spartan legs did as well and Clinton would get to insurance goals at the 26th (Stephanie Whyite) and 29th minute (Kyli Swires), securing their first win of the season.

 

"We were a bit overmatched this afternoon, and losing Brooke early in the second half, based on her overall field command and physical style of play took some wind out of our sails, but what was endearing was when the final whistle blew, our 14 dressed girls knew they left everything out on the field. We created some really nice chances for Chelsea (Galuski) up front, and Theresa (Miller) and Madison (Robillard) did an outstanding job of pushing forward and creating chances for us," said Coach Renaud. "Lindsay Cottrell was simply spectacular in goal for us, making great saves coming off her line and aggressively owning her 18 as the game carried on. Their second and third goals were after Lindsay made to point blank saves on previous shots," Renaud continued. "Libby Henry also had a standout second half once she settled in."

 

Coach Renaud and Coach Simmons both noted how promising the Lady Spartans style of play was, in light of the three goal difference, recognizing they were overmatched, but always in the game.

 

Final Official Stats: Shots - Clinton 20, Cayuga 7

Corner Kicks- Clinton 7, Cayuga 0

Saves- Clinton (Backus) 4, Cayuga (Cottrell) 19

Fouls- Clinton 4, Cayuga 2

Yellow Cards - Clinton 0, Cayuga 0

Red Cards- Clinton 0, Cayuga 0

The Spartans take to the field tomorrow afternoon on the campus of North Country Community College, in Saranac Lake at 1 p.m.