Colgate women’s soccer returned to winning form this past weekend when they hosted the Colgate Nike Classic at Beyer-Small ’76 Field. The team finished the three-day classic 2-0 with wins over the University of Vermont and University of Massachusetts-Lowell by margins of 3-1 and

2-0, respectively. 

The Raiders prevailed in Friday’s matchup against Vermont due to an explosion of offense that left the Catamounts down 3-0 with 35 minutes left in the game. Junior forward Jenna Raepple struck first for the Raiders just before halftime. Senior co-captains Caroline Brawner  and Emily Manoogian put the game out of reach just 10 minutes into the second half when they both netted a goal each.  

Sunday’s game showcased a domination of possession by the Raiders and a constant barrage of shots from the

Raider forwards. 

“While the team is good at keeping possession in the back field, we need to transfer it to the front better,” junior goalie Erin Cummings said of the Raiders performance and what they could improve upon. 

Colgate managed to break the 0-0 barrier when junior forward Catherine Williams  poked a shot past the goalie with her left foot. The goal came following a flurry of offense, with Williams taking a strike with her right foot that was barely deflected by the

goalkeeper off the post and back into play. In the chaos that ensued, Williams was able to slide in and net one with her left foot from about eight yards out. 

The Raiders put the game away in the 62nd minute when first-year forward Emily Crichlow  scored her 2nd goal of the season. Crichlow scored from just inside the left corner of the box, speeding one by the diving goalkeeper with her right foot. Sophomore forward Sarah Coy assisted the goal, leaving two defenders in the dust while setting up Crichlow for a clean strike when she left the ball in the box. 

Sophomore forward Sophie Lederer credited much of the team’s recent offensive success to what they are working on

in practice. 

“We are implementing more connectivity between the midfield and forwards and want to work on generating more shots on goal each game,” Lederer said of the team’s focus. The Raiders’ focus was evident as they were certainly successful this weekend with their barrage of shots in each game.

The Raiders look to continue their win streak when they face Syracuse at 7:00 p.m. on Beyer-Small ’76 Field on Thursday, September 11. It should be a great test for Colgate, as Syracuse beat Vermont this past weekend (3-2). If Colgate can manage to keep up their high-powered offense, it may be difficult for opposing teams to come to Hamilton to win, a place where they’ve only allowed one goal on the new turf.