Feature Friday: Oneonta Women's Soccer
One might not automatically associate the city of Oneonta, NY with soccer. However, in 1979 the National Soccer Museum was built and was officially recognized as the home of the National Soccer Hall of Fame by the U.S. Soccer Federation from 1983. In 1999, the soccer Hall of Fame opened the doors on a new building in Oneonta, which served in its capacity until it closed in 2010. In 2015, it was announced that a new Hall of Fame would be built at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX – home of MLS FC Dallas – with the expected completion date of May 2018.
Oneonta's overall record in SUNYAC play is an impressive 192-51-17 entering the 2017 season. At one point, the Red Dragons went unbeaten in 101 consecutive conference matches which, at the time, established the NCAA record for all divisions for men and women. They have won the SUNYAC championship on 13 separate occasions, which includes consecutive conference titles from the 1999 season through the 2005 season. The Red Dragons have gone undefeated in conference play 11 times, including eight consecutive seasons from 1999 to 2006.
Since their inaugural season in 1985, the women's soccer program at Oneonta has been nothing short of dominant in the SUNYAC and across the nation. Their overall record entering the 2017 season was 403-191-53 overall, recording its 400th victory October 12, 2016 in a 2-1 victory against Skidmore. The 2003 NCAA Division III National Champions are no stranger to the post-season either, making 15 total tournament appearances including 12 consecutive trips from 1999 to 2010.
Some of the greatest players in the history of the SUNYAC have worn an Oneonta uniform including Liz McGrail, who is the only woman to be selected as the Player of the Year three times. In all, the Red Dragons have claimed 10 Player of the Year honors and four Rookie of the Year accolades.
