Jackson Retzer (middle) runs through his happy teammates after scoring his game-winning overtime goal Saturday vs. Cortland.
Fredonia State needed two wins this weekend, plus some help, to claim the sixth and final seed into the SUNYAC men's soccer tournament.
The Blue Devils did their part in dramatic fashion, with overtime wins both Friday and Saturday, but the help they needed did not arrive. Their 2-1 overtime win Saturday over Cortland, on the heels of Friday's 1-0 OT win over Oswego, left them with a 3-4-2 conference mark (7-7-4 overall).
Their 11 points -- three for each win and one for each tie -- was good for seventh place. The top six teams qualified for the tournament, which begins next week.
"It's bittersweet," Fredonia State Head Coach P.J. Gondek said. "I'm happy for the boys for an incredible weekend but disappointed at not being in the playoffs. The seniors gave us everything they had."
Jackson Retzer's was Saturday's hero. His nifty move around two defenders to blast a low, hard shot resulted in the game-winning goal in the 99th minute. Cole Teelin picked up an assist with a cross from the left wing. It was Teelin's cross who also set up senior Matt Belardi for the game-winning goal Friday vs. Oswego.
The goal Saturday was Retzer's seventh of the season and his third game-winner. He led the Blue Devils in both departments.
Kevin Loftus had Fredonia State's first goal, a quick boot following a corner and a scrum in front of the Cortland goalkeeper. The goal came in the 26th minute and erased a 1-0 Cortland lead on the strength of a goal by Sam Fuller in the 14th minute.
Retzer and Loftus are juniors, two of many regulars who will return next season. "We are a good group," Gondek said, "with many young, quality players. We will be back strong in 2020."
In addition to Belardi, goalkeeper Ty Bentham, midfielder Jack Rybicki, and forward Conrad Rathbun and Chad Gilson were wearing the blue and white for the final time. All five were recognized, along with their parents, during a pre-game ceremony.
Bentham made five saves in his final appearance. He finished third in saves, fourth in wins, and fourth in shutouts on the Fredonia State career lists.
