After a pair of games on the road against nationally ranked teams, the Tompkins Cortland Community College men's team came home Friday to host Niagara County Community College. Despite playing well and threatening throughout the game, the Panthers were shutout for the first time this season, losing 2-0 to the Thunderwolves. Tompkins Cortland is now 0-3-1 on the season. Niagara is 4-2.
Niagara scored a goal in each half, one on a header in the 15th minute of play and then an insurance score in the 64th minute. The Panthers never could find the back of the net, but it wasn't for a lack of chances. The first half saw three solid shots on goal, but the better chances came after halftime.
With 15 minutes left in second half, the Panthers had several excellent scoring opportunities in rapid succession. The first came when Terry Paw (Ithaca/Ithaca H.S.) made a move on goal and got a shot off that the keeper stopped, but couldn't control. The rebound came to Abdoul Diagouraga (Brooklyn/Keystone National H.S.), and with the keeper out of position, he put a shot on goal that looked to be going in, but a Niagara field player made a great play, getting back to head the ball away before it crossed the goal line. Less than a minute later, the Panthers earned a free kick just outside the box. Paw unleashed a hard shot that was slightly deflected, just enough to make the shot hit the crossbar. This time the rebound came to Diego Castellot (Marathon/Marathon H.S.) who played a forceful header that would have scored if not for fine reactions by the Niagara keeper.
The Panthers outshot the Thunderwolves for the game, 13 to 7, with the last great chance coming with about 6:30 left in the game. As the Panthers were increasing the attacking pressure, Jovan Williams (Middletown/Pine Bush H.S.) brought the ball into the box and put a shot on goal. The Niagara keeper again made the save without controlling the ball, changing the path of the ball just enough to keep it out of the net.
Steve Cowulich (Berkshire/Newark Valley H.S.) had three saves in goal for the Panthers.
Looking ahead
The Panthers are home again on May 11, taking on Cayuga Community College.