The Tompkins Cortland Community College men's soccer team got the 2021 season off to a strong start Tuesday, beating Jefferson Community College 5-0 in Dryden.
The Panthers gave the home fans plenty to cheer about early, scoring all five goals in a dominating first half. Dan Cowulich (Berkshire/Newark Valley H.S.) had the honor of scoring the first goal of the season, taking a pretty pass over the defense from Terry Paw (Ithaca/Ithaca H.S.) and then finishing for the 1-0 lead in the 14th minute of play. Ten minutes later, Paw got a goal for himself, volleying a failed clear by the Jefferson defense into the side net for the score. In the 31st minute, Cowulich took a touch from Zackary Willson (Dryden/Dryden H.S.) and blasted it past the keeper for his second goal and a 3-0 lead.
Devonte Cummings (Georgetown, Guyana/East Ruimveldt Secondary School) put his name in the scoring column in the 36th minute, with Paw picking up the assist. The final score of the half, and the game, came in the 41st minute, with Paw scoring off a pass from Mkhuzo Sokoni (Ithaca/Ithaca H.S.).
Paw finished his big game with six points on two goals and two assists, with Cowulich tallying four points on a pair of goals.
Nathan Stuart (Fulton/G. Ray Bodley H.S.), a sophomore who had played in the field in all of his previous games at Tompkins Cortland, had three saves to post a shutout in his first collegiate game in goal.
Looking ahead
The Panthers play at Niagara County Community College on Sunday, Sept. 5.