Potsdam, N.Y.- Paige Ford scored just over two minutes into the second half as the Clarkson University Women's Soccer team battled to a 1-0 win over Plattsburgh State, Wednesday afternoon.
The Golden Knights improve to 1-0-1 on the 2025 season while Plattsburgh falls to 1-2. Clarkson returns to action on Saturday where they travel to Rochester to take on the University of Rochester at 6:00 p.m.
Both teams worked to control the midfield as the first half opened with clear-cut chances staging just out of reach. Lily Bailey was called into action several times throughout the opening 45 minutes with Clarkson producing chances, albeit they were limited to long-range attempts as the Cardinal defense worked to keep their defense compact. The Golden Knights registered six shots, forcing four saves while Plattsburgh managed one off-target shot before the half.
Ford got the Knights off to a perfect start in the second half, scoring her first goal of the season, two and a half minutes in. A corner floated in by Julia Tylar arrived on top of the penalty spot where it was met by the head of Ford who put just enough on it to clear Bailey in the Cardinals' goal and give Clarkson the advantage. Isabelle Wood was tested straight from kickoff as Plattsburgh looked for a quick response. A shot from the top of the box by Sydney Myers crept dangerously towards the bottom left corner before being met by Wood who palmed it away for a corner kick. Plattsburgh again came close, this time in the 58th minute, as a shot from just inside the 20 yard line by Hannah Meyers dropped in towards the top left corner of the Clarkson goal appearing to be a certain equalizer until Wood made another impressive stop reaching over her left shoulder to tip the ball just past the post and out for another corner.
As the half progressed both teams continued to generate chances for their attackers, with Plattsburgh holding the advantage in shots during the second, 7-5. The visitors again seemed to find the breakthrough they were fighting for, this time off a corner of their own in the 81st minute. The ball in was met by Myers, who connected for a headed attempt that beat Wood who had left the goal line to attack the cross. The shot would be cleared by Tylar, covering the net, removing the danger and keeping the Clarkson advantage intact for the victory.
Wood was credited with four saves overall, all of which came in the second half, while Bailey would make seven for the visitors. Ford, Jamie Dahlgard and Rachel McMonagle all had two shots ongoal with Tylar and Aviana Johnson both recording one that found the target. Clarkson held the advantage in shots (11-8) and shots on goal (8-4), Plattsburgh led in corners (8-4).
