In 20 years of playing against Cortland, Brockport has had a record of 4-18-2. Although they were looking to add another win to their column, they tied 0-0 this past weekend. Both teams were dominant on defense, only allowing a combined eight shots on goal in the game.
It was the second tie in the last three games for Brockport as they moved to 11-2-3 overall and 3-1-3 in the conference.
Cortland controlled most of the first half action as Brockport did not record a shot until the 32nd minute. Brockport goalie Madeline McCrosson was tested in the first half as Cortland fired off four shots, but never let one find the net.
“The defense is always pretty locked in. So, it’s easy to stay focused when I have them in front of me,” McCrosson said.
Brockport was unable to get anything going offensively or build any type of momentum in the game, as the Cortland defense was not giving Brockport any chance.
In the 76th minute, it looked as if Cortland would break the grudge match, but McCrosson made a leaping save to deny the Red Dragons a goal. The Brockport defense was able to keep the Red Dragons at bay for the remainder of the game.
Head Coach Mike Idland knows his team’s strengths.
“I think we are really stingy,” Idland said. “We’re tough as nails and really consistent with doing all the dirty work and jobs and then we get big time goalkeeping when called upon.”
Brockport defender Kellie Gentile and the team are very confident in their abilities and have been confident since the start of the season.
“Our confidence has been high from the start,” Gentile said. “I think we just have to keep bringing the energy on the bench, on the field and everywhere at practice. It’s been some of the best I’ve seen since my three years here so if we keep that energy high, we can compete with any team and beat any team.”
Brockport remains in third place in the SUNYAC standings after the result and will take on fourth-place SUNY Geneseo on Wednesday in a pivotal match for both teams.
“I think a lot of what we’re already doing,” Idland said. “We’ve got the best energy on the field I have ever experienced with this team or any team I’ve ever coached coming from the sidelines as well. We just kind of keep that flowing in and I think that gets us over the line next time.”
The Golden Eagles have two more games left to play before the SUNYAC tournament. They look ahead for Wednesday’s matchup scheduled for a 3pm kickoff in Geneseo.
