The Raider women’s soccer team won another Patriot League match last weekend, moving into sole possession of second place in the Patriot League. The team has a 3-1 record in league play and a 9-4-1 record overall. The 1-0 victory on Saturday was a defensive battle against the Navy Midshipmen, who have not allowed more than two goals in any game this season and have posted seven shutouts. The lone goal of the game was scored by sophomore forward Franny Iacuzzi. With her 11th goal of the season, Iacuzzi placed herself first in the Patriot League in points and second in goals scored.

Senior goalkeeper Luisa Miller once again played great in the net for Colgate, holding an opponent scoreless for the fourth time this season. It was the sixth time this season that Colgate shut-out an opponent. The defense was also helped immensely by solid play on the part of senior midfielder Heather McSherry.

“[McSherry] did very well marking Navy’s top scorer, Meggie Curran, and it was a very good overall performance for the team,” head coach Kathy Brawn said. “Despite their record, it was an impressive win, since Navy is an excellent team. It’s also very difficult to play against such a good team on the road at 10 a.m. -which means a 6:30 a.m. pre-game meal – but none of the challenges hindered us or detracted from the game plan.”

The Raiders have two games this weekend, facing against Holy Cross today and Army on Sunday.The two games this weekend are very crucial in the Patriot League standings, especially since the Raiders have to head onto the road. Colgate will likely need to win the rest of its games this season to have a chance at finishing first in the league. Currently, Lehigh is in first place with a 3-0 record and still has games against Army, Navy, American and Holy Cross.

The team that finishes the season in first place will host the Patriot League Tournament, which starts on November 4. The Raiders would like to host the postseason tournament for the second consecutive year, as home field advantage would be instrumental in a potential repeat as league champions.

The Raiders hope to take advantage of Holy Cross, a team that Colgate has shut out in each of the last two years by a combined score of 8-0. The Crusaders are having an off year, having compiled a 3-12 overall record, including a 1-3 mark in the league. Army, on the other hand, is 8-4-1 on the season, and has not yet lost a Patriot League game this season. The Black Knights and Raiders faced off twice last year, with both times ending in 1-1 ties. The second match of the year took place in the Patriot League semifinals, with Colgate advancing on their way to the League Championship in penalty kicks.

“This late in the season, it is just a matter of shoring up the little things and paying attention to detail.” Brawn said. “Our transition game is very important and it’s looking a lot better recently. The players also have to let their personalities come out while they are playing and it makes the team better.”