Oneonta, NY - Utica women's soccer shared points with Hartwick in their first away conference match of the season. Both teams fought hard for the lead, but the defensive quality of both sides kept the match in balance. The Pioneers fought for 90 minutes to earn a respectable point away from home in a 0-0 stalemate.
The Pioneers found chances early, with senior Natalia Bell (Cortland, NY/Groton) finding the target in the opening 15 minutes. The first half lulled on with both teams struggling to find opportunities in front of goal. The Hawks found their first chance late in the first half, putting a quality shot on target, but ultimately saved by Pioneer shot stopper Emily Duro (Wappinger Falls, NY/Roy C. Ketcham), who returned to action tonight.
Both sides spent the majority of the second half away from the final third with very limited opportunities. With time running out, the Pioneers nearly found the winner after a sequence of shots resulting from a corner kick. Close-range shots from Samantha Ferguson (Westmoreland, NY/Westmoreland) and Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) were saved by the Hawks goalkeeper.
With a point earned, the Pioneers kick off conference play with two hard-fought draws vs. difficult opposition. Another clean sheet tonight brings the season total up to four, proving the defensive strength of this Pioneer side.
The Pioneers improved to 3-2-3 overall (0-0-2 Empire 8) and will return to action on Saturday, September 26, with an away match against Alfred University in a conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM at Yunevich Stadium
