Woodworth, Fitzwater Score as Lakers Fall to Erie in Season Opener, 4–2
Finger Lakes women’s soccer dropped its season and home opener, 4–2, to visiting Erie on Wednesday afternoon.
P.C. - Nataliia Proskurnia (@flicks_by_nat_ on Instagram)
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Lakers fought back from an early deficit to grab a first-half lead, but Erie rallied after the break to hand Finger Lakes a 4–2 loss in the season opener.
Erie opened the scoring in the 9th minute before Finger Lakes equalized late in the half. Freshman midfielder Aurora Woodworth (Middlesex, N.Y./Marcus Whitman) slotted home the tying goal in the 41st minute, her first collegiate tally. Less than 90 seconds later, freshman midfielder Madison Fitzwater (Avoca, N.Y./Avoca) put the Lakers in front, slipping one past the keeper on a defensive miscue, giving Finger Lakes a 2–1 edge at halftime.
The Kats answered quickly after the restart, leveling the match just 55 seconds into the second half. Erie reclaimed the lead in the 73rd minute and added insurance in the 84th to secure the result.
Freshman goalkeeper Hester Van Der Lek (Groningen, Netherlands/CSG Augustinus) kept the Lakers in contention throughout, recording 14 saves on 18 shots faced. Finger Lakes finished with 4 shots, 3 on target, converting both of its first-half chances.
Looking Ahead:
Finger Lakes (0–1) hits the road for Watertown, N.Y., next Wednesday, September 17th, for a conference matchup with the SUNY Jefferson Cannoneers.