CORTLAND, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam soccer team (8-3, 1-2 SUNYAC) was started in 1987 and a victory over SUNY Cortland (5-6, 1-3 SUNYAC) had always been elusive. Until today. Junior midfielder Kaylen Van Wagner (Red Hook, N.Y./Hotchkiss) scored just 38 seconds into the contest and senior goalkeeper Bri Thibeau (Salem, N.Y./Salem) made it stand up with 10 saves as the Bears defeated the Red Dragons for the first time in program history. The 1-0 win keeps Potsdam in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Van Wagner (Red Hook, N.Y./Hotchkiss) put the Bears in front on their first opportunity of the game with her first goal of the season. The marker gave Potsdam momentum early and they were able to set the Red Dragons on their heels. Slowly, Cortland was able to ease the pressure and create some opportunities of their own. However, Thibeau stopped all four shots that came her way to preserve lead at the half.

Cortland came out even stronger in the second half. The Red Dragon offense kept the Bears on the defensive for much of the final period and prevented them from adding to their lead. Again, Thibeau stood tall, making six saves in the last 45 minutes to earn her second shutout of the season and the eighth of her career.

Victoria Barclay finished with two stops in goal for Cortland.

The Bears return home for two games next weekend. SUNY Oneonta comes to town for a 3 p.m. contest on Friday and SUNY New Paltz battles Potsdam at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Both games will be played at Potsdam High School.