In an intense Liberty League showdown, the Clarkson University Women’s Soccer team faced a disappointing defeat against Skidmore College, with the final score reading 3-1 on a rainy Wednesday evening in Saratoga Springs, New York. The result marked a rough stretch for the Golden Knights, leaving them with a record of 2-4-2 overall, and 0-2 in league play.
The match began with Skidmore establishing an early lead. Just over seven minutes in, a corner kick delivered by Ellianna Caporusso was expertly headed in by Jillian Foley, putting the Thoroughbreds ahead 1-0. Less than ten minutes later, they doubled their advantage. A through ball led to a one-on-one opportunity for a Thoroughbred attacker who managed to poke the ball past Clarkson’s goalkeeper Isabelle Wood. Although it seemed the ball would not cross the line, Caporusso recovered it, providing a simple assist to Abby Lewis for a close-range tap-in, making the score 2-0.
Clarkson sought to respond, with Lillian Gillett creating the first notable chance for her team with a low shot that narrowly missed the left post. Brooke Everest also challenged Skidmore’s goalkeeper, Avery Rodgers, with a well-placed effort in the 27th minute that was seized before it could find the back of the net.
Skidmore struck again in the 40th minute, with Alexandra Verna managing to slot home a loose ball following a saved long-range shot, increasing the host’s lead to 3-0. The Golden Knights defended valiantly towards the end of the half, with Wood making crucial saves, including deflecting a shot headed for the top corner. However, Clarkson would enter halftime trailing by three.
As the second half commenced, both Jamie Dahlgard and Gillett attempted to narrow the gap but were unable to convert shots from outside the box, which were comfortably handled by Rodgers. It wasn’t until the 66th minute that the Golden Knights created their best opportunity of the match with a free kick that landed at Gabrielle Cyganick’s feet, yet her effort from close range was easily saved.
As time progressed and the weather worsened, both teams struggled to create significant chances. It wasn’t until the 88th minute that Clarkson found a breakthrough. A corner by Julia Tylar was met by Callie Abel, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound fell to Everest, who managed to bundle it over the line, bringing the score to 3-1.
Despite their loss, Clarkson held an edge in overall shots (15-7) and shots on goal (9-5) for the game. However, Skidmore maintained a slight advantage in corners, earning four to the Golden Knights’ two. Wood and Rodgers each played the full 90 minutes, with Wood making two saves and Rodgers amassing eight. Gillett and Everest each notched three shots on goal, while Cyganick added two for Clarkson, who will look to turn their fortunes around this Saturday against Union on their home field after this four-game winless streak.
