Senior Karly DeSimone (Clifton Park/Shenendehowa) scored both goals today to lead the SUNY Oneonta women's soccer team past Brockport, 2-1, in the semifinals of the SUNYAC tournament.  The win for the Red Dragons gives them another home game on Saturday, as they play for its first conference title since 2010.

Today's match was the fifth time that the two squads had met in the tournament and the first since the 2008 championship game.  With today's victory, Oneonta is now 4-0-1 against Brockport while outscoring them 12-3.

The Red Dragons held the advantage in play and chances throughout the entire match.  A goal in the 85th minute by sophomore Courtney Szczesniak was the only blemish in a game that was dominated statistically by the Red Dragons.

"The team is playing well at the right time," said coach Liz McGrail.  "We have really grown as a team this year.  We have several players that can step up and make an impact on the game at any time, which makes it hard for opponents."

Both of DeSimone's goals came in the opening half of play.  Her first score came out of a loose ball in close on a corner kick.  The initial opportunity was on a header directed towards the goal by senior Melissa Guglielmo (Somers/Somers), which was blocked in front by a defender.  DeSimone didn't even let the ball settle before getting off a shot that ended up in the back of the goal for the 1-0 lead.

DeSimone's second goal came on what was a hard shot from outside the box that deflected off a defender and changed direction enough to get by the Brockport keeper in the 41st minute.  The keeper anticipated just a bit too much and couldn't recover in time as the ball rolled past her into the goal.

"It was a great team effort today," said DeSimone.  "The team is coming together at the perfect time in the season.  We are looking forward to Saturday."

Oneonta outshot Brockport 10-4 while holding an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Oneonta keeper, Kelley Murphy (Albany/Colonie Central), made two saves for the Red Dragons in the match while her counterpart, Laura Thompson, made five stops.

Oneonta will play SUNY Geneseo on Saturday beginning at 1pm.  Geneseo knocked off Buffalo State today in Buffalo 2-1.  The Red Dragons are in the championship game for the second straight year, as they seek their 14th conference title.