SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.- The William Smith College soccer team defeated Skidmore 1-0 on Wachenheim Field in the Liberty League opener for both teams this afternoon. The Herons are now 5-2-0 on the season and 1-0-0 in conference play while the Thoroughbreds fall to 3-3-0 overall and 0-1-0 in the league.
 
William Smith took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute on Julia Keogh's fourth goal of the season. Her initial shot was stopped by Skidmore goalie Ava Keller. Keogh collected her own rebound and redirected a shot into the right corner of the net.
 
The Herons continued to apply pressure but could not get the ball past Keller for a second time. Keller finished the game with three saves in 90 minutes for the Thoroughbreds.
 
Skidmore's Yasmine Boukari had the game's first scoring chance but her shot was stopped by senior Veronica Romines. Melissa Haas had a scoring opportunity in the 78th minute but her header shot went wide.
 
Romines started for the Herons and made one save in 71:28 of action. First-year Amanda Kesler also made one stop for William Smith.
 
The Herons finished the game with a 12-5 edge in shots. The Thoroughbreds earned a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
 
William Smith returns to Cozzens Field on Wednesday, Sept. 26, when it hosts No. 15 Rochester Institute of Technology. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.