DURHAM, N.H. - The Cornell men's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory against No. 19 New Hampshire on Monday evening at Tucker Field. The Big Red moves to 1-1-0 on the year, while the Wildcats fall to 2-1-1.

The lone goal of the contest was netted by Kisa Kiingi in the 79th minute. Ryan Friedberg took full control of the net, notching seven saves on the day, including six in the opening half.

The shots disparity leaned 14-4 in favor of the Wildcats, but the Big Red made it count when needed. Alex Harris accumulated two shots, but Kiingi's goal was the only Cornell shot that tested netminder Joseba Incera of New Hampshire.

"Opening the season against two extremely experienced teams was always going to be a great challenge for us. Playing against UNH in the sweltering heat, on one less day of rest, was naturally going to make the game about one thing -- heart -- and the guys showed that in abundance, especially in the second half," said head coach John Smith.

The Wildcats held a 9-1 shot advantage at the halfway point, but the Big Red still found itself in the game behind Friedberg's six first-half saves. Cornell would come out in the second half with an increased defensive intensity, holding New Hampshire to just a single shot on goal.

"On the backs of the body of work that we put together this weekend, it would have been cruel for us to be heading home without a win," Smith said.. Friedberg registered the fifth shutout of his Cornell career, along with a career-best seven saves to aid the Big Red in it's first victory of the 2023 season.

Next Up
Cornell will take the road to Buffalo, N.Y. on Saturday to face the Canisius Golden Griffiths. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. from Demske Sports Complex.