PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team battled the Oneonta Red Dragons to a 2-2 draw Saturday afternoon in SUNYAC play at home. The Cardinals, who entered the contest unbeaten in their last four matches and winners of their previous two, move to 4-3-3 overall and 1-0-1 in conference play.
Plattsburgh opened the scoring in the 17th minute when senior Michael Rodriguez (Jefferson Valley, N.Y./Lakeland) found the back of the net at 16:38, giving the Cardinals an early 1-0 advantage. The goal was Rodriguez's second of the season.
Oneonta answered before halftime, with Milton Mancias Magana scoring in the 37th minute off an assist from Imari Harris to send the teams into the break tied at 1-1.
The Red Dragons took their first lead of the afternoon in the 59th minute when Drew Lennon scored off an assist from Nico Loaiza, putting Oneonta ahead 2-1.
Plattsburgh responded just over three minutes later. First-year defender Esteban Loaiza (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) scored at 61:36, with senior Tristan Laundree (Keeseville, N.Y./AuSable Valley) providing the assist, as the Cardinals leveled the match at 2-2.
Neither team could find the decisive goal over the remainder of the contest, resulting in the draw.
Oneonta held a 23-9 advantage in shots, including a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. Junior goalkeeper Matthew D'Ippolito (Baldwin Place, N.Y./Somers) made seven saves for the Cardinals, while Oneonta recorded one save. Plattsburgh held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.
The Cardinals entered Saturday's contest having gone unbeaten in their previous three meetings with Oneonta, including victories over the Red Dragons in each of the last two seasons.
Plattsburgh State opened SUNYAC play on the road Wednesday with a commanding 3-0 victory over Potsdam. The Cardinals have now extended their unbeaten streak to five matches while earning points in each of their first two conference contests.
Plattsburgh State returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 7, continuing SUNYAC play on the road against Delhi. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
