Raiders Open Season with Draw at Home
HAMILTON - The Raiders opened their 2025 season with a hard fought 1-1 draw against the University at Buffalo on Sunday afternoon at Beyer-Small '76 Field.
COACH HOKANSON'S COMMENTS
"Very proud of a hard fought result against a very strong Buffalo side. It was tough to concede so close to half and give them momentum going into the second half but I loved our players' response and determination to find the equalizer. Fun moment for our first year, Jess, to pick up such an important goal for us in a critical moment, that will be big for her confidence moving into the start of her career. I thought our defending today was at a standard that we needed, physical and disciplined with some moments of very good emergency work from our goalkeepers and backs. Overall I am really pleased with a very difficult point to open up non-conference and look forward to another great test this Thursday at home."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Ella Poppinga made a handful of critical saves in the opening 20 minutes including a point-blank effort that was parried away for a corner kick.
- Bianca Howitt and Ari Bezanson each fired shots in the first half that were not enough to beat the Buffalo goalkeeper.
- The Bulls took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break after capitalizing on a shot just inside the box with one minute remaining in the first half.
- Jess Urena blasted the Raiders first goal of the season into the top left corner off a dish from Bezanson with 30 minutes left in the match.
- Bezanson picked up a loose ball and found the foot of Urena who wasted no time finding the nylon and knotting the match at one apiece.
- Colgate's defense held strong and Poppinga came up with another big stop on a free kick with less than 10 minutes to go in the game.
- Lydia Thornton and Bezanson each had shots saved in the remaining minutes, and the match finished in a 1-1 draw.
GAME NOTES
- Urena scored her first collegiate goal and earned her first career start
- Molly Richards earned her first career collegiate start
- Poppinga finished with six saves in the match
UP NEXT
Colgate (0-0-1) stays in Hamilton for another non-conference home match. The Raiders will host Marist on Thursday evening with kickoff set for 6 p.m.
Latest Women's Soccer
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- Colgate Picks Up First Win of 2025HAMILTON - Nikki DiCaprio's 67th minute goal helped lift the Raiders over Marist, 2-1 on Thursday night at Beyer-Small '76 Field.
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- Bezanson Earns Preseason All-Patriot League HonorsBETHLEHEM, Pa. - Ari Bezanson was selected to the 2025 Preseason All-Patriot League Team, the conference announced on Thursday.
- Colgate Soccer Set to Host Kick with the RaidersHAMILTON - The Colgate men's and women's soccer teams are set to host their annual Kick with the Raiders event on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 5:30 p.m. on the varsity grass soccer field behind Beyer Small '76 Field.
- Fall Schedules Announced for Colgate AthleticsHAMILTON – Colgate Athletics has announced upcoming schedules for 13 teams, including six fall teams, two winter teams, and five spring seasons with fall competitions.
