Perreault propels men to first victory

Cornell's men's soccer team celebrated a long-awaited victory before the home fans late Saturday afternoon in Mount Vernon.

Sophomore forward Cody Perreault smashed in the decisive goal in the 61st minute of regulation, propelling the Rams past Waldorf, 1-0, and ending a 24-match winless skid. It was the first Ram victory for second-year head coach Andres Leza and a majority of the players on his young roster, which includes 19 freshmen and sophomores.

Junior Alex Beehler provided the assist on Perreault's key scoring play. Perreault eluded the charging Waldorf goalkeeper near the right wing and booted the ball through, proving to be the difference in Cornell's first win since Oct. 24, 2009 (3-2 over Buena Vista).

Keeper Jordan Setser and Cornell's defense kept the Warriors scoreless down the stretch. Setser finished with seven saves and preserved Cornell's first shutout win since Oct. 11, 2008 (1-0 over Buena Vista), a string of 46 matches.

The Rams (1-6) held a 16-12 advantage in total shots. Beehler led the Rams with four attempts.

Cornell was on the short end of two road matches last week. The Rams fell 3-1 against Clarke Wednesday, and dropped a 4-2 contest to Monmouth Sunday.

The Rams were in a 1-1 tie with Clarke after freshman AJ Trampe scored off an assist from Casey Gilbert at the 57-minute mark. The host Crusaders pulled back ahead in the 66th minute, and added the final tally one minute later.

Setser collected nine saves against a Clarke attack that fired 24 shots. The Rams were limited to three shot attempts in the match.

Cornell had its chances against Monmouth, outshooting the hosts by a 13-11 margin.

The Rams scored twice in the first period, getting a goal from Beehler in the 18th minute and sophomore Luke Farley in the 30th minute. Farley and Heath Brandner assisted on Cornell's first score. Perreault fed Farley for the second goal.

Cornell trailed 3-2 at halftime and allowed a score on a penalty kick midway through the second stanza. Setser finished the day with four saves.

Coming up - Cornell begins Iowa Conference play Saturday in a 1 p.m. kickoff at home against Luther. The Rams return to the road Sunday to play Iowa Wesleyan at 3 p.m. in Mount Pleasant.