PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The top-seeded Plattsburgh State men's soccer team is set to host fourth-seeded Buffalo State in the semifinals of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Field House Complex. The Cardinals look to begin their pursuit of the program's ninth SUNYAC title and first since 2013. 

TICKET INFORMATION: Admission to the Cardinals' SUNYAC semifinal matchup will be free for all fans courtesy of Chazy Orchards, the official game day sponsor. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: Plattsburgh State holds a 26-13-5 all-time record against Buffalo State, with the Cardinals' most recent victory over the Bengals coming in the 2019 SUNYAC Tournament semifinals. Plattsburgh earned a 2-0 win in that matchup to advance to the SUNYAC Championship game. 

INSIDE THE NEST: Plattsburgh State finished the regular season with a 10-3-3 overall record and a 7-0-1 mark in SUNYAC play, including a 5-1-2 record at home. The Cardinals were the only team in the conference to finish SUNYAC play undefeated, going 7-0-1 against conference opponents. Plattsburgh State secured a playoff berth with a win over Canton on Oct. 14 and clinched the SUNYAC East Division and a double bye into the semifinals with a win against Cobleskill on Oct. 21. 

The Cardinals' offense has been a consistent force this season, producing 36 goals while averaging 2.25 goals and 15.3 shots per game. Plattsburgh State showcases a balanced attack, with eight different players finding the back of the net multiple times throughout the season. 

Leading the Cardinals' attack is senior captain Xavier Kamba, who operates at center forward and leads the team in goals, assists and points, totaling eight goals and nine assists for 25 points while adding two game-winning goals. Kamba's combination of speed and relentless work rate makes him one of the conference's top one-on-one attackers and chance creators.

Joining Kamba on the top line is Tristan Laundree, who provides the Cardinals with another dynamic attacking option on the flank. One of the conference's most skilled dribblers and effective one-on-one attackers, Laundree has totaled six goals and eight assists for 20 points this season while recording two game-winning goals.

Rounding out the starting forward group is first-year Oliver Filip, who wasted little time making his mark at the collegiate level. Filip has made an immediate impact in his debut season, recording three goals and two assists for eight points while providing another valuable attacking option for the Cardinals. Mason Brown and Ethan Kyle add further depth on the wings, giving Plattsburgh reliable options off the bench who can provide an offensive spark when called upon. 

At center forward, Robbie Kapovic gives Plattsburgh one of the conference's top options off the bench, providing an immediate spark to the Cardinals' attack. Kapovic ranks third on the team in goals with four, adding two assists for 10 points this season. His size and physicality make him a difficult matchup for opposing back lines, and he has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver in some of the biggest games of the season.

The Cardinals' midfield is anchored by senior captain Jacob McGowan, who serves as the engine of the team with a relentless work rate and the ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball. A constant presence defensively and a contributor in the attack, McGowan has recorded four goals and an assist for nine points this season.

Fellow senior captain Michael Rodriguez provides another experienced presence in the midfield and serves as one of the team's leaders. Rodriguez has totaled three goals and an assist for seven points this season, with two of his goals coming as game-winners.

Senior Erick Vargas and sophomore Nicholas Espitia have also proven pivotal to the Cardinals' midfield, with the tandem helping control the pace of play and facilitate Plattsburgh State's attack. Vargas has recorded three assists this season, while Espitia has contributed two goals and an assist, providing another offensive option from the midfield.

Rounding out the midfield group is Sebastian Ruiz, who offers a physical defensive presence for the Cardinals. Known for his willingness to make tackles and block shots, Ruiz provides valuable defensive support and helps disrupt opposing attacks. Declan Gallagher also provides valuable depth in the midfield, offering the Cardinals another option off the bench as they look to maintain their pace and presence in the middle of the field. 

The Cardinals' defense has been a steady presence this season, allowing just 13 goals while posting a 0.81 goals-against average and limiting opponents to 9.9 shots per game. Anchoring the Cardinals' back line is senior Jack Murphy, who provides valuable experience and leadership to a younger defensive unit that has ranked among the top defenses in the conference. First-year outside backs Esteban Loaiza and Noah Magee have emerged as hidden gems of the Cardinals' recruiting class, stepping into starting roles from day one and establishing themselves as two of the team's strongest one-on-one defenders. Senior Davis Lopez rounds out the defensive group, making a seamless transition from the midfield to center back. Lopes has embraced the position change, providing a steady defensive presence while helping build the Cardinals' attack from the back. 

In goal, senior Matthew D'Ippolito has served as the heart and soul of the Cardinals' squad, ranking among the top goalkeepers in the conference while providing a vocal leadership presence for the team. D'Ippolito has recorded 55 saves this season while posting a 0.83 goals-against average, establishing himself as a key piece of Plattsburgh State's defensive success. 

In his ninth season at the helm, head coach Chris Taylor is guiding the Cardinals to their sixth SUNYAC Tournament appearance under his leadership. Taylor has now reached the semifinals in three of his last five playoff runs, with his best coming in 2019, when Plattsburgh State earned the No. 2 seed and advanced to the championship game, ultimately falling to Oneonta. 

SCOUTING THE BENGALS: Buffalo State (11-3-3, 5-1-2) will travel to Plattsburgh for the teams' first meeting of the season following the conference's new alignment. The Bengals have scored 45 goals this season while averaging 16.9 shots per game. Defensively, Buffalo State allowed 14 goals and surrendered an average of 8 shots per game. 

The Bengals feature eight players with three or more goals this season. Their attack is led by Lesedi Sekhobo, who has recorded seven goals and four assists, and Zaccaria Gerosa, who has tallied seven goals and three assists. Sam Christian, with six goals and two assists, and Jay Kitcher, with five goals and three assists, round out Buffalo State's top offensive producers. 

On the defensive end, the Bengals are anchored by goalkeeper Carson Smith, who has recorded 37 saves this season, and first-year defender Jeff Horvat, who has started 14 games this season and leads all defenders in minutes played with 1,307. 

Head coach Francesco Cardillo, in his ninth season with the program, will look to build on the Bengals momentum following their 2-0 second-round victory over Fredonia as he guides his team in pursuit of a SUNYAC Championship. 

THE ROAD AHEAD: The winner of the Plattsburgh State vs. Buffalo State matchup will advance to the SUNYAC Championship, where they will face the winner of second-seeded Cortland and third-seeded Oneonta.