BOX SCORE
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FREDONIA, N.Y. – A late goal by Eli Lubberts (Ontario/Wayne) proved to be the difference as Fredonia State claimed a 2-1 SUNYAC victory over visiting Potsdam.
In the 86th minute, Luke Tylutki (Pittsford/Pittsford-Mendon) attempted a header that went wide. Lubberts followed up with a shot that was deflected, collected the rebound just in front of the goal, and punched it in for the winner.
Fredonia State spent the first half working against the wind, but eventually struck first as Stephen Ahern (Nottingham, U.K./Billborough) scored the first goal of the game at 15:16.
The ball was lofted from just inside the box. Potsdam goalkeeper Joe Glackin jumped in an attempt to deflect it as it sailed over his fingertips. Peter Dagel (Rochester/Gates Chili) tried to knock in the rebound. Ahern eventually collected the ball and punched it in from point-blank range.
Potsdam evened things at the 5:33 mark. Fredonia State's Ryan Smith (Fairport) was whistled for a handball in the goal box. Bobby Kane then converted on the penalty kick to forge a 1-1 tie
The Devils forced the action for most of the first half, and held a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal.
In the second half, the Devils had a chance to take the lead with 24:00 to go. Sophomore Tyler Williams (Orchard Park) followed up a deflected shot on goal, getting off a strong shot that missed high from about 30 feet out.
Two minutes later, Ahern had a good look from 20 feet out, only to see Glackin deflect the ball with a spectacular diving save.
The Devils had several more crosses and increased the pressure with the wind at their backs, but could not find a clear path to score, keeping the ball deep in the Potsdam end for the majority of play.
The Devils finally broke through for the game winner at 3:41.
For the game, the Devils held an 11-2 advantage in shots on goal and 9-2 edge in corner kicks.
Fredonia State goalkeeper Bobby McGinnis (Elmira/Elmira Free) was credited with two saves. Glackin had nine saves for the Bears.
Potsdam falls to 2-11-1 overall and 1-6-0 in conference play.
Fredonia State improved to 6-8-0 overall, and 4-2-0 in the SUNYAC. They play host to Plattsburgh tomorrow afternoon at University Stadium.
