ESF Rallies Late, Tops OCC in Penalty Shootout to Reclaim Cup

The Oaks ground through the middle of an 8 day stretch that contained 4 games. Heading to long time local opponent, Morrisville on Monday night. The Oaks were coming off of a 3 game loss streak and were looking for a chance to bounce back. That resetting didn't come as a win against the Mustangs, it came as a mentality reset for the team. Giving up goals in a variety of forms forced the Oaks to face their biggest challenge; being able to stay focused, productive and fight as a unified team regardless of their circumstances. Head coach, Adam Scalisi, shares his thoughts; "I would have obviously liked to come away with a win and I know the guys would have too but for the first time this season, I saw them all stay locked in and make a conscious decision to not throw in the towel. Embodying that perspective is something we can do great things with." 

After just one training session, the team kept it local with a trip across the valley to Onondaga Community College for the annual King of the Hill cup match. The Oaks were motivated with their new-found resiliency aided by the trophy that hadn't come home with them in the last 6 years. The OCC lazers were still looking for their first win of the season. After clinical start, the Oaks gained their first tally. The battle would continue and after succumbing to 2 PK finishes. The oaks found themselves down 4-2 as the scoreboard clock waned. A final unified push saw ESF tie the game before the final whistle, sending the group to PK's. The first group of 5 from both sides saw a 3-3 tie through a combination of finishes and saves and missed shots. One final shot from each team resulted in a miss from OCC and a finish by ESF cementing the Cup's trip home. Junior winger, Matt D'Addario scored the winning PK: "l'm proud of how our team came out and scored first. We didn't let the 2-1 halftime scenario discourage us and when penalties called against us made the score 4-2 we didn't give up mentally. In the last 4 minutes we pushed for a winner but time ran out. After hearing my name called to take the 6th shot I nervously watched OCC's 6th shot but Sam (sophomore goal keeper) made the save. I knew I had to score to win, I placed the ball, stepped back and noticed the keeper cheating right. I looked right, shot left and secured the penalty win. It felt great to see how happy my teammates were, running over to celebrate with me and Sam. I'm so proud of our team for brining the cup back for the first time in several years." The team prepares to head north this Sunday for their rival Bark Eater Cup match against USCAA opponent Paul Smith's.   #MightOaks #FearTheForest #ESF