SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - John Hayes (Pearl River, N.Y./Pearl River) posted his fourth career brace, leading the No. 16 Plattsburgh State men's soccer team to a 2-1 road win over the Union Garnet Chargers. Hayes, who now has six goals on the year, is already three points and one goal off his career-highs in each category just six games into his senior season.

The Plattsburgh State Cardinals are currently the No. 16 in the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Division III Poll.

Teddy Healy (Amityville, N.Y./Kellenberg) earned the win in goal and made a game-saving penalty kick stop at the 87:58 mark, keeping the Cardinals ahead 2-1. Brian Coughlan (Pearl River, N.Y./Pearl River) added the assist on the game-winner while Bradyn Primus (Goshen, N.Y./Goshen) added a helper as well.

The statistical battle was even across the board, as the Cardinals outshot the Garnet Chargers 8-6, including 5-4 on goal. Union was able to generate more corners, especially down the stretch as they tried to find the equalizer, earning nine corners to Plattsburgh's five.

The Cardinals move to 4-0-2 on the season and have a home match next on the schedule, hosting RPI on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. before opening conference play at home next weekend. Union falls to 2-3-1 and next takes on Williams on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

In a back-and-forth match for the entirety of 90 minutes, the game began with five corner kicks and four going the way of Union as Healy and the Cardinal defense were able to withstand the attack early on. Shortly after, Plattsburgh had their first chance at a goal as a Coughlan shot was saved by the Union keeper.

Hayes got the team on the board and out in front in the 37^th minute, using a Primus pass from the center of the field to take him across the top of the 18 and to the arc, where he fired a low shot in the left side of the net for the goal.

Shortly after, however, the Garnet Chargers found the equalizer from Owen Everett and tied the game with just over five minutes to go in the first half.

The tie held through halftime and shortly into the second half before a free kick for the Cardinals from just outside the Union defensive third was taken by Coughlan. The senior centerback sent in a line drive pass that found Hayes inside the six for the header and score.

From there, Union put in an aggressive attack to try and knot the game at two goals apiece, but the Cardinals held strong defensively. After nearly 40 minutes of fantastic defensive play, a foul just inside the box gave the penalty kick to Union and a chance to tie the game. Everett took the kick for the Garnet Chargers and went to his left, but Healy was there to make the diving save as the Cardinals were able to clear the ball for any rebound chance.

With just under two minutes to go, Plattsburgh State did not allow Union to get another look at the goal, securing their fourth win of the season.

Jackson Magee took the loss in goal for Union, making three saves over 90 minutes.