POTSDAM, N.Y.—SUNY Oneonta (8-1-2, 4-0-1 SUNYAC) scored in the 30th minute and the defense made it stand, as the Red Dragons edged SUNY Potsdam women's soccer (8-4, 1-3) 1-0 in tightly contested match at Potsdam High School on Friday afternoon. Senior forward Kayla Distin (Fulton/G. Ray Bodley) notched her first goal of the year to post the game-winner for the Red Dragons.
 
Oneonta is 6-0-1 in its last seven contests with its only blemish being a tie at Brockport.  The Red Dragons are currently in first place in the SUNYAC and they will be at Plattsburgh tomorrow for a 1pm match.  Plattsburgh is currently in third place with a 3-1 record, but is 8-3-1 overall.
 
In the fog and drizzle, the two team's defenses controlled the contest. The Bears held Oneonta to just two shots in the opening 45 minutes, while putting three of their own on goal. Unfortunately, the Red Dragons made the most of their second opportunity. At 29:54, sophomore forward Emily Opalinski (East Amherst /Williamsville East ) sent a cross from the left corner to the left side of the box. Distin picked up the ball and lofted it over Potsdam senior goalie Bri Thibeau (Salem, N.Y./Salem) for the contest's lone goal.
 
The game was nearly as tight in the second half. The Red Dragons outshot the Bears 6-3, but only managed to get two attempts through to Thibeau. Potsdam's keeper handled both attempts. Bears freshman forward Brooke Falsion (Brockport, N.Y./Brockport) blasted a shot on goal at 71:23, but Oneonta senior goalie Rori Stark (Brewster/Brewster) (Brewster, N.Y./Brewster) snatched it out of the air. With just over seven minutes remaining, Falsion nearly broke loose at the left side of the box, but two Red Dragon defenders were able to keep her from getting a shot away.
 
Thibeau finished with three saves while Oneonta starter senior Kelley Murphy (Albany/Colonie Central), also made three saves in the first half alone to earn the win. Senior Rori Stark (Brewster/Brewster) stopped one shot in final 45 minutes to preserve the shutout for the Red Dragons.
 
Oneonta edged Potsdam 8-6 in shots and 4-2 in corner kicks.