ITHACA, N.Y. – In a battle featuring two of the top teams in the Northeast Region, Cornell defeated Fairleigh Dickinson from Charles F. Berman Field on Saturday, Sept. 14 by a final score of 1-0. Sophomore
Emeka Eneli provided the scoring for Cornell (2-1), hitting pay dirt on a volley inside the box in the 3rd minute of action.
First year
Brandon Morales set Eneli up in front of goal after a shot from
Connor Drought was deflected out to him. Morales now leads the Big Red in assists (2) after contributing to the game-winning goal in each of Cornell's last two matches.
"We knew coming in here that this was going to be a tough game," said Cornell head coach
John Smith. "Watching them on film, we knew they were a legitimate team and had some quality wins coming in to tonight, so we were ready for a tough, physical game."
With a win on Saturday, the Big Red open the season 1-0 within the confines of Charles F. Berman Field, following a 2018 season that saw the program finish with a 2-5 record at home.
"More so, it was important for us to get off on the right foot at home," said Smith. "We only play seven times at home this year and in those games it's important to be looking for wins. Last year we didn't do too well at home and we were phenomenal on the road, so it was a big thing for us today to get things started the right way."
Cornell dominated the ball on Saturday, controlling 56 percent of the possession, and firing 22 shots at the Fairleigh Dickinson (3-2) goalkeeper. The Big Red placed 15 shots on target despite coming away from the action with just the 1-0 result. Cornell's suffocating defense allowed the Knights to attempt only seven total shots, with three falling on target.
"On any other day, 22 shots with 15 on target, you would hope to score more than one goal," Smith said. "I think the great thing is that we created the opportunities, we just need to be a little deadlier in front of goal."
Senior
John Scearce had a number of opportunists in front of net on Saturday, firing seven times, with five shots on goal to pace the Big Red offensive attack. Junior
Harry Fuller was also active on the offensive side of the ball with four total shots and three on goal.
Cornell goalkeeper
Ryan Shellow wasn't tested often during Saturday's match, but came up big when the Big Red needed him, making three saves. Shellow stopped Fairleigh Dickinson's best opportunity at an equalizer in the 74th minute, collecting a flicked header by FDU's Jared Dillon to preserve the shutout.
HIGHLIGHTS:
UP NEXT: The Big Red hit the road again next week, traveling to Syracuse, N.Y. to face Syracuse University on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. Syracuse enters Tuesday's tilt with a 1-1-3 record following a 0-0 (2OT) tie against Louisville on Friday. The Orange are led by 10th year head coach, Ian McIntyre, who has guided the program to an 87-64-28 record over the last decade. Ryan Raposo is the team's leading scorer with 10 points (four goals, two assists) through five games.
