PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team scored two second-half goals and employed a suffocating defense en route to a 2-0 non-conference victory Tuesday over visiting Norwich at the Field House Soccer Complex.  It was the season opener for both teams.  The Cardinals improve to 11-2 against the Cadets during Chris Waterbury's 25-year coaching tenure, but they were avenging a 3-1 loss in Northfield, Vt., last season when Plattsburgh entered the game as a Top 25 squad.

The teams played a scoreless first half, but Plattsburgh held a dominating territorial advantage.  Back Mike Pinamonti broke through in the 52nd minute with a 35-yard shot that curled inside the right post from the left side of the field.  Then 7 minutes later, junior college transfer Anis Makaren scored his first goal in a Plattsburgh uniform on assists by Pat Shaughnessy and Danny Byrnes.  David Hickman was also credited with an assist on Pinamonti's tally.

Plattsburgh had 18 shots for the game, including nine on goal.  Norwich didn't have a shot until the 85th minute off the foot of Jake Yaris.

Charles Maxwell registered seven saves for the Cadets, while freshman Andy Heighington earned his first career shutout in his collegiate debut for the Cardinals.

Twenty newcomers--15 freshmen--dot Plattsburgh's 31-man roster in 2009.