Golden Eagles defeat Nazareth for the second time in 12 years, remain undefeated

By Kate Derry
STAFF WRITER

The SUNY Brockport women’s soccer team added yet another win to their incredible 16-game winning streak with a 1-0 victory over the Nazareth College Golden Flyers.  The victory was Brockport’s first win against Nazareth since 2001.

Anticipation was high as Brockport and Nazareth took to the field, both teams attempting to keep an undefeated record.  For Brockport however, the anticipation ran a bit deeper.

By Laura Popielski, Staff Photographer The SUNY Brockport women's soccer team celebrates as time runs out in the 1-0 victory over Nazareth College at Parker Field.

“The seniors have never beaten Nazareth before,” Brockport head coach Joan Schockow said. “We wanted to do it for the seniors.”

Brockport’s first chance came early in the game but a shot from Michele Cella glanced off the post. Nazareth also had an early chance to score a goal but a critical save was made by defender Abby Smith.

Throughout the first half, the two teams were evenly matched as the employment of an offsides trap by Nazareth kept breakaways for the Golden Eagles to a minimum.

While Nazareth played strong defense, they made a critical mistake on a  free kick in the 21st minute and Brockport capitalized.

The ball bounced loose in the penalty box until midfielder Michelle Gibaud found Jill Neidlinger, who lived up to her MVP status of the Marietta College tournament and scored the game’s only goal.

During the second half, Nazareth stepped up their physical game and played more aggressively, injuring both Gibaud and Neidlinger.  While both players returned, the Golden Eagles had to hold off a comeback attempt without two of their best players.

The Golden Eagles kept up their defensive game, but Nazareth would not give up.

The game’s intensity increased late in the second half when the Nazareth offense placed three dangerous shots on goal in a row.

Senior goalkeeper Steph Kowell boxed out the ball for the first two saves and the third shot bounced off the post and went wide.

Brockport’s defense kept the team in the game, diminishing Nazareth’s scoring opportunities.

“Defense comes first and then you work hard offensively,” Schockow said. “They’re [Nazareth] a good team, usually we try to do something tricky, but today we decided, you know, let’s play our game.”

The Golden Eagles defeated Hilbert College 5-0 Monday, Sept. 10.

Brockport’s first SUNYAC game is the Homecoming game Saturday, Sept. 15, against Buffalo State.