Bobcats Take Down #1 Ranked University of Fort Maine Kent

October 17, 2023

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Photo by Matthew McDonald

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10/17/2023 11:00 AM | Nolan Cass, Sports Information Coordinator

In a USCAA National Championship rematch, the Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse Bobcats faced off against the University of Fort Maine Kent Bengals in a Monday afternoon match up at the CNY Sports Centre . Two familiar foes, this game was definitely circled on both opponents’ calendars. Going into the game, the excitement was clear on both sides, eagerly waiting for the whistle to start the contest.

16 minutes into the game, Masego Nfandiso got herself back into the scoring column yet again, on a break away goal off a beautiful through ball from Nicelle Drew. Masego had one defender to beat in the goalkeeper, as she hit a wonder-strike that bended its way into the corner of the net.

The game wouldn’t stay tied for a long as the Bengals earned themself a free kick from right on the doorstep. In the 27th minute, Julia Audunsdottir put a good ball past the keeper. Both sides would look to attack and earn more chances but we would enter the break deadlocked at one all.

Both teams took their chances and looked to leak out on the break. In the 65th minute, Bryant & Stratton earned them self a free kick in a similar spot as the one earned on the equalizer from Fort Maine Kent. Masego Nfandiso stepped up to the ball, in front of her stood a wall of Bengals. She bent the ball around the defense, and it took a bounce past the goalkeeper who misread the angle to break the tie. Leading by one, the Bobcats were 25 minutes away from avenging their national championship defeat.

The Bengals had an opportunity in the late minutes as they would have a flurry of chances with a shot on goal that would find post. Defensively, in those moments, the Bobcats showed their grit and determination to win the game at all costs. Their toughness showed throughout the game, and when it mattered most they continue to give their all to reach the end destination of victory. As the clock hit triple zeros, the Bobcats were elated as they took down the #1 team in the USCAA.

Next game : The Lady Bobcats will travel to Bryant & Stratton Albany for a 12pm matchup on Saturday October 21st.

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