OSWEGO, N.Y. – Speed can make a world of difference.
 
On Friday afternoon the Highlanders battled down to the wire on the pitch at SUNY Oswego, ultimately the speed of the Pioneers of William Paterson University won the day.
 
"They were probably the fastest group of front-running players I've seen at this level," stated Coach Matthew Webb.  "We didn't have the same intensity at the start that we had on Tuesday and they took advantage of it."
 
Before the Highlanders were even able to take a shot, the Pioneers collected a corner and five shots in the first 11 minutes, included one that hit the post and two more that Houghton keeper Jacob Dunnett kept from the back of the net.
 
Then it seemed that fate had turned toward the Highlanders.
 
At the 16:30 mark a Pioneer defenseman deflected a failed clearance to Ben Lawrence, whose shot caromed off a defender and over the outstretched arms of the Pioneer keeper, giving Houghton an early lead.
 
That lead would not last long, as Paterson's Musa Sackoon evened the score less than a minute and a half later. 
 
The Pioneers would add a second goal 25 minutes after, giving them a 2-1 lead at the half.
 
William Paterson extended their lead to 3-1 in the 70^th minute on Sackoon's second goal.
 
In the final twenty minutes the Highlanders pressed hard, pushing greater numbers into the attacking third. 
 
Then in the 85^th minute Zach Shilvock won a ball ten yards past the top of the box, caught the keeper out of the net and deftly placed a shot over his head, pulling the Highlanders within one.
 
As the clock dwindled, the Highlanders continued to press, but could not find the equalizer before the end of regulation.  
 
"We played well in stretches," stated Coach Webb, "and they were a really good team.  This should definitely help to prepare us for our upcoming matches."
 
The Highlanders take the pitch again tomorrow at 1:00 PM, when they will square off against the SUNY Canton Kangaroos at SUNY Oswego's  Laker Turf Stadium.