For the first time in the regular season, the Genesee Community College Men’s Soccer team came out on the losing end. Their unbeaten streak was snapped on Thursday night after they were beaten by Bryant and Stratton College (Syracuse) 4-2.
Coming off of their win over the number one team in the country at Herkimer County Community College on Tuesday night, the Cougars scored the first goal of the game. Jonny Bonner (Donegal, Ireland) scored his fourth goal of the season in the 22nd minute to put GCC out in front 1-0. The Genesee defense kept the Bryant and Stratton offense in check for the majority of the first half, until the Bobcats were able to get the equalizer with seven minutes remaining.
Bryant and Stratton gained the momentum in the second half by scoring goals in the 13th and 18th minutes, holding a 3-1 lead with 27 minutes to play. A slick pitch due to rain made it difficult for the Genesee offense to form any type of rhythm. The Cougars were able to draw within one when Josh Gray (Norwich, England) scored on a penalty kick in the 32nd minute. The PK was set up by a hand ball in the box.
Playing with a sense of urgency, the Cougars were unable to create another scoring opportunity. The Bobcats added a goal with 8 minutes to play, preserving the win and ending the Genesee unbeaten streak.
The Cougars fall to 12-1-2 on the season and will now move on to the Region III playoffs. GCC has already earned the #1 seed in the playoffs and will have a first round bye. They will host a second round game at GCC on Tuesday afternoon, the opponent and time to be determined.
