The Tompkins Cortland Community College men's team took to the road for the first time this season, traveling to Herkimer to take on the #4-ranked Generals. The Panthers were up to the challenge early, holding a 1-0 lead at halftime, but couldn't keep it up in the second half as Herkimer ran away with things to hand the Panthers an 8-1 defeat. Tompkins Cortland is now 0-1-1 on the season. Herkimer is 2-1-1.

Playing in very windy conditions, the Panthers took advantage midway through the first half. After earning a free kick near midfield, Dan Cowulich (Berkshire/Newark Valley H.S.) took the free kick from about 45 yards out. Cowulich lifted a perfect long ball, carrying his shot over the leaping goalkeeper's outstretched arms and into the back of the net. The score with 22:49 left in the first half gave the Panthers a lead they would hold the rest of the first half and into the second.

After changing sides, Herkimer evened the score in the second minute of the second half, scoring on a free kick from just outside the box. The Generals took the lead four minutes later and moments later made it three goals in a ten-minute span and a 3-1 margin. The fourth goal came with 21:18 left, and a penalty kick made it 5-1 with 16:12 left. Three goals in the final nine minutes, including one on another penalty kick, hiked the final margin up to 8-1.

Steve Cowulich (Berkshire/Newark Valley H.S.) had 14 saves in goal for the Panthers.

Looking ahead

The Panthers play another nationally ranked team next when they travel to #2-ranked Mohawk Valley Community College on April 30.