The Tompkins Cortland men's soccer team came up just short on Sunday, falling 2-1 to SUNY Adirondack. The home loss leaves the Panthers with a record of 1-7 overall. Adirondack is now 5-8.
The Panthers controlled the ball for nearly all of the first half, but couldn't take advantage as the game remained scoreless at the half. During the break the team's sophomores were recognized for their contributions to the program. Seven players were honored, with a combined total of more than 120 games played for Tompkins Cortland.
When the second half started, Adirondack wasted little time in getting on the board. With the opening possession, the Timberwolves played the ball back to a defender who then lifted a long ball over the Panthers defense to a streaking forward for a breakaway goal just 12 seconds into the half. It took 18 minutes, but the Panthers responded when Devonte Cummings (Georgetown, Guyana/East Ruimveldt H.S.) picked up a ball in the box off a corner kick by Mkhuzo Sokoni (Ithaca/Ithaca H.S.) and fired a low shot that beat the keeper to tie the score at 1-1.
A long free kick led to another Adirondack goal in the 69th minute of play, and despite pressure over the final 20 minutes, the Panthers couldn't score the equalizer.
Nate Stuart (Fulton/G. Ray Bodley H.S.) was once again strong in goal for the Panthers, finishing with six saves.
Looking ahead
The Panthers host Onondaga Community College Tuesday at 4 p.m. It is the final game of the season for the Panthers.