The clock showed 37 seconds when Willem Firth caught the pass and fired the shot that would define Cornell’s entire season opener. In that moment, with 3,000 fans holding their breath at Casey Stadium, the senior attacker didn’t just score a goal – he delivered the kind of clutch performance that separates good teams from championship contenders.
For Cornell men’s lacrosse fans who’ve waited months for the 2026 season to begin, Saturday’s nail-biting 11-10 victory over UAlbany felt like Christmas morning. After all the preseason rankings and practice reports, their Big Red finally took the field ranked fourth in the nation, and they proved why that ranking wasn’t just hype.
The game had everything you’d want from a season opener: lead changes, defensive battles, and a finish so dramatic that fans were still talking about it hours after leaving the stadium.
When Championships Begin in February
Cornell men’s lacrosse entered this matchup carrying enormous expectations. Ranked fourth nationally and loaded with talent like preseason All-American Ryan Goldstein, the Big Red knew that every game would be a measuring stick for their championship aspirations.
Against UAlbany, they got their first real test. The Great Danes didn’t come to Ithaca to play nice – they came to make a statement against a ranked opponent on their home turf.
“You can practice all you want, but nothing replaces that first-game intensity,” said one longtime Cornell lacrosse observer. “UAlbany brought everything they had, and Cornell had to match that energy from minute one.”
The game lived up to its billing from the opening faceoff. UAlbany jumped out to an early 4-3 lead after the first quarter, showing they weren’t intimidated by the Big Red’s ranking or home crowd advantage.
The Numbers That Tell the Real Story
While the final score captures the drama, the deeper statistics reveal just how evenly matched these teams were – and where Cornell found their edge.
| Category | Cornell | UAlbany |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 11 | 10 |
| Ground Balls | 38 | 24 |
| Faceoff Wins | 17 | 7 |
| Saves (Tully) | 13 | – |
| Turnovers | 15 | 18 |
The faceoff battle proved decisive. Jack Cascadden dominated the X, winning 17 of 24 draws to give Cornell crucial extra possessions throughout the game.
Key performers for Cornell men’s lacrosse included:
- Willem Firth: 3 goals, including the game-winner
- Ryan Goldstein: 2 goals, 3 assists (5 points total)
- Ryan Waldman: 2 goals
- Jaden Ciappara: 1 goal, 2 assists
- Matthew Tully: 13 saves, with 9 in the second half
- Jack Cascadden: 17 faceoff wins out of 24 attempts
“Cascadden’s faceoff performance was the difference maker,” noted a former Cornell player watching from the stands. “When you’re winning 70% of your faceoffs, you’re going to get more scoring chances than your opponent.”
The ground ball advantage of 38-24 also showed Cornell’s superior hustle and positioning throughout the contest.
What This Victory Means for the Big Red’s Season
Season openers often reveal more about a team’s character than their talent level. Against UAlbany, Cornell men’s lacrosse showed they could handle adversity and pressure – two qualities that will be essential as they navigate their challenging 2026 schedule.
The victory keeps Cornell undefeated at 1-0 while dropping UAlbany to 0-1. More importantly, it validates the Big Red’s fourth-place preseason ranking and sets the tone for their championship ambitions.
Matthew Tully’s 13-save performance, with nine coming in the second half, demonstrated the kind of clutch goaltending that championship teams require. His ability to make crucial stops when UAlbany mounted their fourth-quarter comeback attempt showed remarkable poise for a goalkeeper facing intense pressure.
“Tully kept us in the game when things got tight,” said a Cornell team insider. “Those late saves were absolutely critical to our comeback.”
The balanced scoring attack also bodes well for the Big Red’s future prospects. With Goldstein leading the way but multiple players contributing offensively, Cornell men’s lacrosse appears to have the depth necessary for a long tournament run.
For UAlbany, the close loss against a top-five opponent shows they’ll be competitive in their conference play. Despite the defeat, the Great Danes proved they can hang with elite competition and should build confidence from their performance.
The game’s back-and-forth nature – with lead changes and momentum swings throughout – suggests both teams will be factors in their respective conference races this season.
Looking Ahead After the Thriller
Cornell’s 38-24 advantage in ground balls and Cascadden’s faceoff dominance provide a solid foundation for future games. These possession-based statistics often predict long-term success better than scoring numbers alone.
The Big Red’s ability to respond after falling behind multiple times – trailing 4-3 after one quarter and 6-4 in the second – shows mental toughness that will be tested repeatedly throughout their schedule.
“Championship teams find ways to win close games,” observed one longtime lacrosse analyst. “Cornell showed that ability right from game one.”
The victory also provides valuable momentum as Cornell men’s lacrosse prepares for their next matchup. With the season opener jitters out of the way and a dramatic win in their back pocket, the Big Red can focus on fine-tuning their systems and building chemistry.
For fans who witnessed Firth’s game-winning goal with 37 seconds remaining, the moment served as a perfect reminder of why college lacrosse remains one of the most exciting sports to follow. When every possession matters and games are decided by single goals, every shot carries championship implications.
FAQs
Who scored the game-winning goal for Cornell men’s lacrosse?
Willem Firth scored the game-winner with 37 seconds remaining, completing his three-goal performance in the season opener.
What was the final score of Cornell vs UAlbany?
Cornell defeated UAlbany 11-10 in their season opener at Casey Stadium.
How did Jack Cascadden perform in faceoffs?
Cascadden dominated at the faceoff X, winning 17 of 24 draws (70.8%) to give Cornell crucial possession advantages throughout the game.
Who led Cornell in scoring against UAlbany?
Ryan Goldstein led all scorers with 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists), while Willem Firth contributed 3 goals including the game-winner.
How many saves did Cornell goalkeeper Matthew Tully make?
Tully finished with 13 saves total, including 9 crucial saves in the second half as UAlbany mounted their comeback attempt.
What is Cornell men’s lacrosse ranking entering the 2026 season?
Cornell entered the season ranked fourth nationally, and their dramatic victory over UAlbany validates that preseason ranking.
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