PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team extended its unbeaten start to the season in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, rallying late to earn a 1-1 draw with Clarkson University at the Field House Complex.
The Cardinals entered the contest unbeaten and looking to continue their recent dominance of the Golden Knights, a side they hadn't lost to since 2019. While the opening half was evenly played, Clarkson controlled much of the possession despite being outshot, 5-3. The Golden Knights capitalized in the 19th minute when Noah Partenza found the back of the net, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Plattsburgh turned the tide in the second half, dominating possession and not allowing Clarkson a single shot while firing off six of their own. Despite the relentless pressure, the Golden Knights' defense held strong until the closing seconds. With time winding down, the Cardinals pushed everyone forward on a free kick, including sophomore goalkeeper Matthew D'Ippolito (Baldwin Place, N.Y./Somers). In the scramble, D'Ippolito's movement created havoc in the box, allowing the ball to trickle through traffic and into the back of the net. Senior Santiago Vargas (Bethpage, N.Y./Bethpage) was credited with the equalizer, and senior Danny Perry (Shirley, N.Y./Longwood) with the assist in the final moments.
The late strike sealed a 1-1 result, keeping Plattsburgh unbeaten at 4-0-3 on the year. The Cardinals now turn their attention to SUNYAC play, opening the conference slate on the road at Fredonia on Saturday at 1 p.m.
