Chris Balducci set the Plattsburgh standard by how all men’s soccer goalkeepers would be measured in the future.
At the time his three-year career ended in 1992, Chris ranked first in season (0.30) and career (0.56) goals-against average, first in season (11) and career (24) shutouts and first in season (15) and career (38) victories. He is still in the Top-5 of all those categories.
Chris helped the Cardinals to three SUNYAC championships and a 1992 NCAA Tournament appearance. He was a two-time all-SUNYAC first team selection and recorded a career record of 38-4-6 for an .854 winning percentage.
Chris capped his career with first-team all-region accolades as a senior,when he helped the team to a 16-1-4 record, a sweep of SUNYAC regular season (9-0-1) and tournament titles, and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Date of Induction to Cardinal Sports Hall of Fame
October 23, 2010
Where are they now?
Chris is a NYFD firefighter assigned to Ladder Company 4 in Midtown Manhattan. He was on active duty when New York City was attacked on 9/11, working in the extinguishment and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center site. Due to an injury, he has been working at one of the fire department’s training facilities. He enjoyed being one of the company’s drivers before he got hurt.
Favorite Plattsburgh Sport Moment
“My favorite Plattsburgh sports moment had to be when we won the SUNYAC title during my senior year. A number of players on that (1992) team came into Plattsburgh as freshmen and we spent four years together working toward that championship. Another good memory is being elected captain my junior and senior years by my teammates, because it was a big honor (to be the team leader).”
