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CONTACT: Jerry Reilly,
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DATE: Wed., Oct. 31, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men's Soccer
Cortland's size concerns Devils' Gondek
FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Fredonia State faces a tall order in their SUNYAC Tournament semifinal match Friday against Cortland in Oneonta.
Bryan Patterson, a 6'6" forward, is the leading scorer for the Red Dragons (11-6-1). His 14 regular-season goals -- including one vs. the Blue Devils -- tied for the conference lead. "Cortland presents a different challenge," Fredonia State head coach P.J. Gondek said. "Their size makes them difficult to defend. At home we were able to contain their top scorer ... although he did manage a goal." The Friday game -- 1:30 p.m. at Hall of Fame Fields -- is a rematch of the Oct. 6 game at Fredonia, won 2-1 by the Blue Devils (11-6-1). After Patterson put Cortland on top 1-0 in the 14th minute, Fredonia State rallied with a pair of second-half goals. Freshman midfielder Eli Lubberts (Ontario/Wayne) and junior midfielder Chris Huber (Horseheads) scored the goals, sophomore forward Ryan O'Donnell (Orchard Park) assisted on each one, and senior goalkeeper Scott Bergen (Schenectady/Mohonasen) made a diving save as time expired to preserve the win. Fredonia State also had the edge in three key statistical categories: 19-12 in shots, 13-8 in shots on goal, and 8-2 in corner kicks. "Offensively we created many scoring chances," Gondek said. "I expect us to do the same but finishing those chances will make the difference." Fredonia State advanced automatically to SUNYAC semifinal by earning the No. 1 seed in the six-team bracket. Plattsburgh, the No. 2 seed, also earned a first-round bye. Meanwhile, No. 4 seed Cortland tied No. 5 Buffalo State, 3-3, before winning a penalty-kick shootout, 4-2. In the other first-round game, No. 6 Geneseo went on the road and trounced No. 3 Brockport, 4-1. Geneseo will face Plattsburgh in the other semifinal. "It is nice, Gondek said, "to be the No. 1 seed going in, but it is anyone’s tournament at this point. Along with Cortland, Geneseo has hit (its) stride and Plattsburgh has only conceded four goals in 18 games. We will have to play our best soccer to claim the trophy. Anything less will not cut it." NOTES --- The championshi game is 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Hall of Fame Fields ... Fredonia State's O'Donnell is third in the conference with 0.41 assists per game ... Bergen's 1.09 goals-against average ranks fifth in SUNYAC. Conversely, Cortland's Jack Carillo is seventh at 1.38 goals against per game ... Cortland leads the all-time series, 16-14, with three ties ... All SUNYAC team selections will be announced at the pre-tournament banquet Thursday night in Oneonta.Athletics Home | Fredonia Home
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