Lakers Drop First Match to Monroe, 3–1

HENRIETTA, N.Y. - The #8 Finger Lakes men's soccer team entered the match unbeaten, but the Division I Tribunes proved a stern test in the early season. The Tribunes struck first in the 17th minute to take a 1–0 advantage.

The Lakers held firm for the remainder of the half, with sophomore goalkeeper Joshua Koobs (Leverkusen, Germany/Werner Heisenberg Gymnasium) turning away several attempts to keep the deficit at one. But Monroe doubled its lead in the 61st minute and extended the margin just four minutes later to build a 3–0 cushion.

The Laker continued to push forward to avoid the shutout and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Robin Giesing (Essen, Germany/Gymnasium-Essen-Werden) broke through and converted on a penalty kick to narrow the deficit, 3-1. With little time in the match, the Lakers were unable to close the gap, suffering their first defeat after a 4–0 start.

Koobs finished with 7 saves on 10 shots faced as the Lakers managed 12 shots of their own, 4 on target.

Looking Ahead:
Finger Lakes (4–1) returns home next Wednesday, Sept. 10th, for a Region III matchup with the Erie Kats at 6 PM. In partnership with the Office of Student Involvement, Finger Lakes will host a Laker Pride Game Day with the women's soccer team, which will play at 4 PM on the same day. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend and display their Laker pride.