A goal by sophomore Rachel Berk (Eastchester/Easterchester) in the 77^th minute lifted the SUNY Oneonta women's soccer team to a key road victory today against the defending SUNYAC champion Geneseo Blue Knights.  The win for Oneonta (7-1-2/3-0-1 SUNYAC) kept them unbeaten in its last six contests while keeping them in first place in the SUNYAC.  With the loss the Knights fall to 6-3-1 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
 
"Today's win was a total team effort!" said Head Coach Liz McGrail.  "I am really proud of the entire team.  Everyone who came in the game made a positive impact."
 
Senior Jessica Lyden (Burnt Hills/Burnt Hills), who sent her a pass down the middle of the field, set up Berk's game-winning goal.  Berk then chipped the ball over freshman goalkeeper Emily Janiszewski from near the top of the penalty box.
 
In the ninth minute, Geneseo struck first as Kelsey Raschke scored from the top of the penalty area after senior midfielder Marissa Benson laid a pass back to her from the middle of the box.
 
The Red Dragons responded in the 40th minute when first-year back Hannah Kaplan (Smithtown/Hauppauge) knocked in a goal following a corner kick and a scramble in front of the net, causing Janiszewski to come off her line. The Knights entered halftime with a 6-1 advantage in shots.
 
"Hannah came off the bench to play a new position today and scored the tying goal and Rachel had a nice finish to her breakaway," stated McGrail.
 
Geneseo outshot Oneonta, 10-6, while the Red Dragons finished with a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
 
The Red Dragons will be on the road again next weekend when they travel to the North country.  Oneonta faces SUNY Potsdam on Friday beginning at 3pm while they face Plattsburgh on Saturday beginning at 1pm.
 
McGrail concluded, "I think we took a big step forward today.  Next weekend is another challenge for us on the road with two big conference games."