NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team continued its late-season surge with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over New Paltz on Wednesday afternoon, avenging last year's playoff loss to the Hawks.
In what has been a rollercoaster season, the Cardinals who began the year on a seven-game unbeaten streak entered the contest with momentum after back-to-back SUNYAC wins over Oneonta and Canton. Needing to keep collecting points to stay in the postseason race, Plattsburgh State once again delivered under pressure, living up to their "Cardiac Cards" nickname.
New Paltz struck first in the 26th minute when Colin Brant headed home a goal off a corner kick to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. The Cardinals were contained for much of the half, as New Paltz controlled possession and outshot Plattsburgh 8-1 in the opening 45 minutes to take a 1-0 advantage into the break.
Junior Xavier Kamba (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) took charge after halftime, continuing his standout form for the Cardinals. In the 57th minute, first-year Declan Gallagher (LaGrangeville, N.Y./Arlington), fresh off being named SUNYAC Offensive Player of the Week set up Kamba for the equalizer, marking the third straight game Gallagher has recorded a point.
Plattsburgh State carried the momentum through the second half, outshooting New Paltz 5-4 while generating sustained pressure in the attacking third. With just under 12 minutes remaining, Kamba struck again, finishing a pass from first-year Robbie Kapovic (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills East) to complete the comeback and give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.
The defense held strong down the stretch, keeping the Hawks scoreless in the second half to secure the team's third straight win.
With the victory, Plattsburgh State improves to 8-2-4 overall and 3-2-1 in SUNYAC play and returns home to host Oswego State on Saturday, Oct. 18, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. at the Field House Soccer Complex.
