PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's soccer team opened their 2025 campaign in dramatic fashion, earning a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over visiting VTSU-Castleton on Thursday evening at the Field House Complex.

Despite dominating possession and chances early, the Cardinals found themselves trailing at halftime. Castleton's Maggie McKearin opened the scoring in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a rare early opportunity to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Plattsburgh peppered the Spartan goal with 14 first-half shots to Castleton's four, but couldn't find the equalizer before the break.

That changed in the 55th minute when senior Kelly Licata (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem North) brought the home crowd to life. After receiving a pass from senior defender Alexis Patrick (Burnt Hills, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake), Licata executed a smooth turn at the top of the box and unleashed a long-range strike that beat the keeper, knotting the score at 1-1.

The game looked destined for a draw until the final minute of regulation, when first-year Alana DeLaCruz (Albany, N.Y./Shaker) rose to the occasion. Off a perfectly placed corner from Patrick, DeLaCruz connected with a powerful header to notch her first collegiate goal and secure the game-winner for Plattsburgh with just seconds remaining. DeLaCruz provided a major spark off the bench, leading the team in shots and bringing consistent energy in the attacking third.

The Cardinals finished the match with a dominant 32-8 advantage in shots, but were repeatedly denied by Castleton goalkeeper Emma Ezzo, who kept her team in the game with an impressive 12-save performance.

On the other end, Plattsburgh junior goalkeeper Lily Bailey (Warwick, N.Y./Warwick Valley) was solid in her first collegiate win, turning away three of the Spartans' four shots on target. She was backed by a strong defensive unit featuring Patrick, first-year Sophie Miller (Plattsburgh, N.Y./Beekmantown), sophomore Amy Crowley (Wallkill, N.Y./Wallkill), and junior Lia Parker (Cadyville, N.Y.). 

With the win, Plattsburgh improves to 1-0 on the season and will look to carry their momentum on the road this Sunday, when they travel to take on RPI in a non-conference matchup at 3 p.m.