The SUNY Oneonta women's soccer team opened its 2017 season this weekend at the Rachel Miller Tournament hosted between the campuses of Nazareth College and RIT.  Unfortunately, the Red Dragons came away empty dropping a pair by identical 2-1 scores.
 
Yesterday against Nazareth, Oneonta struck first in the eighth minute on a goal by junior Julie Steinhauer (East Syracuse/East Syracuse Minoa).  She was able to collect a rebound off a shot by senior Amanda Roney (Schoharie/Middleburgh) that got away from the Nazareth keeper.  The Red Dragons defense including junior Emile Mull, who made seven saves in the first half, took its one-goal advantage into the break.
 
A pair of goals in the opening two minutes of the second half by the Flyers erased its halftime deficit while giving them a one-goal lead.
 
Oneonta managed a couple of late opportunities but had to settle for the 2-1 defeat.  Mull finished the game with 10 saves.
 
In today's match, an early goal by Piper Zimmerman gave the host Tigers the early advantage.
 
Roney tied the score for Oneonta in the 15^th minute when she was able to run onto a service forward by classmate Laura Rolston (New City/Clarkstown South) before putting a shot by the keeper.
 
The game was settled in the waning minutes on a goal by Riley Yankowich who headed a corner kick by Mull in the 88^th minute of the match.
 
The Red Dragons will have a week to prepare for its next match on Saturday, Sep. 9 when they face Eastern Connecticut at Hartwick in the opening game of the 2017 Oneonta Mayor's Cup Tournament.