FREDONIA, N.Y. – It took extra minutes to decide Saturday afternoon's men's soccer game. Oswego's Slater Bushen converted the sudden-victory goal in the second overtime period. The goal caused Fredonia State Men's Soccer to fall to 5-6-0 on the year, and 0-3-0 in the SUNYAC.
 
Much like yesterday's game, today's saw a first half stalemate. In an even first half, Fredonia took four shots to Oswego's three; both teams putting two shots on goal. The Lakers edged out the Blue Devils on corners, holding the 3-2 advantage.
 
The second half, however, saw several opportunities for both sides.
 
The first came when Matt Cullen (East Northport, N.Y.) sent a strike off the post. Kaleb Steward (Kennedy, N.Y.) was able to collect the rebound, but pushed his shot just left of the net.
 
Six minutes later, Steward won a 50-50 ball on the right sideline, sealing off his defender and creating a breakaway to cage. Oswego's goalkeeper closed in, forcing Steward to send his shot wide-right.
 
The Blue Devils broke open the scoring in the 60^th minute when they took advantage of a set piece opportunity. From 40 yards out, Jackson Retzer (Bowmansville, N.Y.) sent a bending ball to a streaking Kevin Loftus (Lancaster, N.Y.). Loftus converted the perfectly timed header to put Fredonia State up 1-0.
 
In the 83^rd minute, Oswego's Brendan Murphy spoiled Fredonia's 1-0 bid, evening the score.
 
Kyle Pezzulo (Rochester, N.Y.) preserved the tie twice in the final minutes of the second stanza. The first save came on a high ball, off of the goal line. Pezzulo played the ball well, while also absorbing contact from an Oswego player. Minutes later, the keeper came off his line again, this time making a diving save on the ground.
 
Both overtime periods provided back and forth, physical play from the two sides until Oswego emerged victorious.
 
Pezzulo earned the start for the Blue Devils, recording fours saves over 105 minutes.
 
Fredonia State returns to the pitch on Friday, October 8^th at Potsdam for more SUNYAC action.