Box Score PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – A first-half scoring outburst by the Plattsburgh State women's soccer team helped the Cardinals pick up their second State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) victory of the season by a 3-1 tally over New Paltz on Saturday afternoon at the Field House Complex.
With their victory, Plattsburgh State (4-7-2, 2-2-1 SUNYAC) kept their all-time home dominance over the Hawks (2-9-3, 0-5-1 SUNYAC) intact. Since the two teams began facing off in 1985, the Cardinals are 15-0-2 when playing New Paltz in Plattsburgh. Additionally, the Cardinals were able to accumulate four out of a possible six SUNYAC points which will only help strengthen their positioning in the league.
It didn't take Plattsburgh State very long to get on the board, as sophomore Cammey Keyser came up with the first goal of the game just 2:07 into the contest. The Keeseville, N.Y., product tallied her first score of the season by making a strong push into New Paltz territory and receiving a pass from freshman Diana DiCocco before sending a soft shot past Hawks' keeper Krysten Kane at the mouth of the goal.
After coming up empty on six corner kick attempts in their previous bout, the Cardinals were able to tally the eventual game-winner on their first attempt of the afternoon. Sophomore Melissa Rodriguez sent a long ball to the far side of the New Paltz net where it found the head of Cassidy Clavet.
The sophomore's shot attempt found its way to freshman Heather Marko who received credit for the goal after it went off of her hip and past Kane. The goal was the first of Marko's collegiate career.
Another pair of freshmen joined forces to produce the final Plattsburgh State goal of the tilt. At the 38:08 mark, Plattsburgh, N.Y., product Maddy Trombley found Vicky Scott behind the New Paltz defensive line. Scott notched her second goal of 2013 by sending a five-yard shot into the back of the net, giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.
Keeping the shutout bid intact through the first half was junior Kristy Kirkpatrick who made a pair of saves during the frame.
Despite being down by a substantial margin, the Hawks came out in the second half intent on putting pressure on the Cardinals. The visitors struck for their only score of the bout when Kaite Mulry showed off her speed and got behind the Plattsburgh State defensive group. Sarah Painter found Mulry who nestled her shot attempt into the top half of the Plattsburgh State net at the 54:26 mark.
During the course of the deciding half, things got more and more physical between the two clubs as each one was the recipient of a yellow card. In all, 17 fouls were whistled during the conference confrontation.
Scott took a game-high five shots to lead Plattsburgh State's offensive attack. Keyser and Clavet each attempted three and the Cardinals held an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks over the Hawks.
Kirkpatrick came up with six saves to improve to 3-3-1 on the year. Kane (2-9-3) made five saves in the New Paltz setback.
After a highly successful weekend at the Field House Complex, the Cardinals will take their show on the road for the final time in the SUNYAC regular season. Next Friday afternoon, Plattsburgh State makes the long journey to Buffalo to face off against the Buffalo State Bengals. The conference match is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
