PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The top-seeded Plattsburgh State men's soccer team is set to host second-seeded Cortland in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championship at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Field House Complex. Following a convincing 4-0 victory over Buffalo State in the semifinals, the Cardinals look to finish their postseason run with the program's ninth SUNYAC championship and first conference title since 2013.
TICKET INFORMATION: Admission to the Cardinals' SUNYAC Championship matchup will be free for all fans courtesy of Dannemora Federal Credit Union, the official game day sponsor.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP: Plattsburgh State and Cortland will meet for the SUNYAC Championship with the conference title on the line. The Cardinals enter Saturday's matchup looking to build on their regular-season victory over the Red Dragons, which helped secure the overall No. 1 seed in the SUNYAC Tournament. Historically, Cortland holds a 43-23-6 advantage in the all-time series, but Plattsburgh will look to earn its second victory over the Red Dragons this season. The last time the Cardinals defeated Cortland twice in the same season was in 2006. The teams last met in the SUNYAC Tournament in 2017, when Plattsburgh earned a 3-1 victory to advance to the conference championship game. The Cardinals will look to carry their momentum into Saturday's matchup and secure their first conference title in 13 years.
INSIDE THE NEST: Plattsburgh State enters the championship game with an 11-3-3 overall record and a 7-0-1 mark in SUNYAC play, finishing the regular season as the conference's only undefeated team. The Cardinals went 5-1-2 at home during the regular season before opening their postseason campaign with a 4-0 semifinal victory over Buffalo State on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Plattsburgh secured its place in the semifinals by capturing the SUNYAC East Division and earning a double bye before continuing its postseason run with Wednesday's shutout victory.
The Cardinals' offensive production has been a major strength throughout the season, totaling 40 goals while averaging 2.35 goals and 15.2 shots per game. Plattsburgh features a balanced attacking unit, with multiple players capable of creating scoring opportunities and eight different Cardinals recording multiple goals this season.
Leading the Cardinals' attack is senior captain
Xavier Kamba, who continues to establish himself as one of the conference's premier offensive threats. Operating at center forward, Kamba leads the team in goals, assists and points, totaling nine goals and nine assists for 27 points while adding three game-winning goals. His speed, relentless work rate and ability to beat defenders one-on-one make him a constant threat in the attacking third. Kamba added another goal in the Cardinals' semifinal victory over Buffalo State.
Joining Kamba in the attacking unit is
Tristan Laundree, who gives Plattsburgh another dangerous option on the flank. One of the conference's most effective dribblers and one-on-one attackers, Laundree has recorded seven goals and eight assists for 22 points this season, including two game-winning goals. His ability to create separation, take on defenders and generate scoring opportunities has made him an important component of the Cardinals' offense. Laundree also found the back of the net in Wednesday's semifinal matchup.
Rounding out the starting forward group is first-year
Oliver Filip, who has made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut season. Filip has totaled three goals and three assists for nine 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 another experienced attacking option off the bench. Kapovic ranks among the team's top goal scorers with four goals and two assists for 10 points this season. His size and physicality create difficult matchups for opposing back lines, and he has consistently demonstrated an ability to make an impact 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 impact both sides of the ball. A consistent defensive presence who also contributes to the attack, McGowan has recorded four goals and an assist for nine points this season.
Fellow senior captain
Michael Rodriguez brings another experienced and steady presence to the midfield. A key leader for the Cardinals, 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 played important roles in the Cardinals' midfield, helping dictate the pace of play while connecting the defensive and attacking units. Vargas has recorded three assists this season, while Espitia has contributed two goals and two assists, providing another offensive option from the middle of the field.
Rounding out the midfield group is
Sebastian Ruiz, who provides a physical defensive presence for Plattsburgh. Known for his willingness to make tackles, block shots and disrupt opposing attacks, Ruiz offers valuable support in the middle of the field. He also joined the scoring effort in the Cardinals' 4-0 semifinal victory over Buffalo State.
Declan Gallagher provides additional depth in the midfield, giving the Cardinals another option off the bench as they look to maintain their pace and presence throughout the championship matchup.
Defensively, Plattsburgh has remained one of the conference's most consistent units, allowing just 13 goals while posting a 0.76 goals-against average and limiting opponents to 10.1 shots per game. Anchoring the Cardinals' back line is senior
Jack Murphy, who provides experience and leadership to a younger defensive group that has established itself among the SUNYAC's top units. First-year outside backs
Esteban Loaiza and
Noah Magee have emerged as important contributors in their debut seasons, 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 after making a seamless transition from midfield to center back. Lopez has embraced the position change, providing a steady defensive presence while helping initiate the Cardinals' attack from the back.
In goal, senior
Matthew D'Ippolito has been a cornerstone of the Cardinals' success, ranking among the conference's top goalkeepers while providing a vocal leadership presence for the team. D'Ippolito has recorded 63 saves this season while maintaining a 0.82 goals-against average, establishing himself as a key component of Plattsburgh's defensive success. He will look to anchor the Cardinals' back line once again as they pursue a conference championship.
In his ninth season at the helm, head coach Chris Taylor has guided Plattsburgh State to its sixth SUNYAC Tournament appearance under his leadership. Taylor has now led the Cardinals to the conference semifinals in three of his last five postseason appearances. He will look to lead the Cardinals to their first SUNYAC championship under his direction and the program's first since 2013.
SCOUTING THE RED DRAGONS: Cortland (13-3-1, 7-1-0) enters Saturday's SUNYAC Championship following a 3-2 home semifinal victory over Oneonta. The Red Dragons finished the regular season with a 7-1-0 conference record, capturing the SUNYAC West Division title. Cortland has scored 39 goals this season while showcasing one of the conference's strongest defensive units, allowing just nine goals through its first 17 games.
The Red Dragons' attack is led by graduate student Diego Rivera, who has recorded 10 goals and five assists for 25 points, including a team-best four game-winning goals. Sophomore Owen Brant follows closely with 10 goals and seven assists for 27 points, while senior captain Dylan Pederson has contributed six goals and two assists for 14 points from his center back position. Sophomore Jake Hutter has also provided an offensive presence with four goals and three assists.
Defensively, Cortland is anchored by graduate student goalkeeper Jordan Ott, who has started every game this season while posting a 0.54 goals-against average and an .816 save percentage. The Red Dragons have recorded 11 shutouts this season, ranking among the nation's top teams defensively. Senior captain Dylan Pederson and senior Christian Napolitano help lead a back line that has consistently limited opposing scoring opportunities.
Head coach Steve Axtell, in his 14th season with the program, has guided Cortland to the SUNYAC Tournament in every season of his tenure. The Red Dragons are pursuing their fifth conference championship under Axtell, which would also mark their third title in the past four seasons.
THE ROAD AHEAD: The winner of Saturday's matchup will be crowned SUNYAC champion and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
