Johnson Lifts Big Red Past UMBC, 1-0
ITHACA, N.Y. – The Cornell men’s soccer team defeated the University of Maryland – Baltimore County Retrievers 1-0 on Saturday night at Berman Field. The Big Red improved to 4-0-2, while the Retrievers fell to 3-3-2.
Andrew Johnson registered the Big Red goal in the contest. Aidan Martin was credited with the assist on the tally. Ryan Friedberg earned six saves and collected his fourth win of the season.
The physicality and intensity was apparent in the first half. The teams accumulated three yellow-cards in the opening half of the game.
The first one was assessed to the Golden Retrievers. Less than two minutes later, Connor Miller earned himself a caution. UMBC’s Joseph Picotta earned himself a yellow card in the 40th-minute to put a stamp on a physical and scoreless first-half.
Two minutes into the second half, the Big Red found space to strike and made it count when Martin found Johnson cutting toward the net for the opening tally of the game.
“It was excellent to see Andrew come up with his second goal of the season”, John Smith, the Dr. Daniel P. Wood Head Coach of Men’s Soccer said.
Friedberg aided the Big Red for the remainder of the game, making a number of key stops at the net. Friedberg registered his third shutout of the season, and moved to 4-0-2.
Coach Smith was pleased with the effort Friedberg gave along with the strong effort of the back-line. “Outside of Ryan’s outstanding save where he pushed the shot onto the post, our defenders came up big with some key blocks”, he mentioned.
“Tonight’s game had the feel of a playoff game. I thought we played really well against what should be a post-season team. We now look forward to another quality opponent on Tuesday”, coach Smith added.
Next Action
The Cornell men’s soccer team will return to the pitch on Tuesday, September 24th to face upstate New York rival Syracuse. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. at SU Soccer Stadium. Game action will be broadcast on ACCX.
