PLATTSBURGH, NY - The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team picked up strong a non-conference win on Tuesday night, winning a 1-0 decision over the visiting Russell Sage Gators. Jack Healy (Pearl River, NY/Pearl River) was the lone goal scorer for Plattsburgh, tallying the goal with just three seconds left in the first half. 

The Cardinals move to 4-1,  their best start through their first five games since a 5-0 start in 2016. That season, the team was eliminated in the first round of the SUNYAC tourney on penalties after finishing 12-5-2 overall. Russell Sage falls to 1-2-1 and will host Houghton University on Saturday in their Empire 8 opener. 

The first half was all Plattsburgh State, as they had chance after chance throughout the period. The team was able to control possession throughout, working the ball around the field and finding some decent opportunities. However, the team struggled to find the home-run play, and cash in on the excellent chances. The Cards had a great chance in the first half sail into the top post, as an excellent play ended with a Brain Coughlan (Pearl River, NY/Pearl River) shot bouncing off the crossbar out of bounds. 

A controversial call at the end of the half gave Plattsburgh time to set up a play after the referee stopped the clock multiple times. The Cardinals were able to get a strong ball into the box and crowd of people from Danny Perry (Shirley, NY/Longwood), where it found the head of Healy who finished the play for his second goal of the season. Three seconds remained on the clock after the play, as the Cards made every second count to get their only goal of the game.

The game was a story of two halves, though, as it was Sage that was able to dominate possession in the second half as the rain began to fall. However, Plattsburgh goalkeeper Teddy Healy (Amityville, NY/Kellenberg Memorial) was more than up to the task, as he registered his fourth win and shutout of the season, picking up four saves as well. 

At the 77th minute, it looked as if the Gators had their chance to tie the game, as a Sage offender raced ahead of the Cardinal back line to take a shot, but Healy positioned himself greatly and was able to make the save. His back line was spotless as well in the half, with that breakaway being the only real miscue on their end. The midfield was also strong defensively, as they kept a lot of the Gator attack from gaining progress towards the goal throughout, and were strong in the final minutes to help run out the clock for the win.

Plattsburgh State now looks toward a huge game with defending champions Cortland at Cortland, playing at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 17 in their first conference game of 2022.