DELHI, N.Y. — The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team returned to the road Wednesday and earned a 3-1 victory over new conference opponent Delhi in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
After a scoreless opening half, the Cardinals erupted for three goals in a span of just 3:37 in the second half to take control of the contest.
Plattsburgh opened the scoring in the 56th minute when Nicholas Espitia (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Xavier Kamba (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) provided the assist to give the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage.
Just 2:45 later, Plattsburgh doubled its lead as Oliver Filip scored his second goal of the season, again with Kamba providing the assist. The Cardinals continued their offensive surge only 52 seconds later when Kamba got on the scoresheet himself, scoring his fourth goal of the season. Erick Vargas and senior Tristan Laundree (Keeseville, N.Y./AuSable Valley) were credited with assists on the goal, giving Plattsburgh a 3-0 lead in the 60th minute.
Delhi answered in the 79th minute when Dylan Jimenez scored to cut the deficit to 3-1, but the Cardinals' defense held firm over the final 11 minutes to secure the victory.
Plattsburgh controlled much of the offensive play, finishing with a 19-10 advantage in shots and putting six shots on target. The Cardinals also earned six corner kicks compared to two for Delhi. Delhi managed four shots on goal, with junior Matthew D'Ippolito (Baldwin Place, N.Y./Somers) making three saves to preserve the victory.
With the victory, the Cardinals improve to 5-3-3 overall and 2-0-1 in conference play. Plattsburgh State returns home Saturday as the Cardinals continue conference play with Senior Day, hosting Oswego at 1 p.m.
