CANTON, N.Y. — The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team opened its 2026 season on the road Tuesday evening, falling to St. Lawrence University, 2-0, at Sandy MacAllaster Field.
The Cardinals entered the season looking to build off a historic 2025 campaign, which saw Plattsburgh State defeat St. Lawrence for the first time since 2017. The Cardinals also carried a three-season non-conference unbeaten streak into Tuesday's contest following last season.
Plattsburgh State and St. Lawrence battled through a scoreless first half, with the Saints holding a narrow 6-5 advantage in shots. The Cardinals earned four corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes while keeping the match level heading into halftime.
St. Lawrence broke through in the 75th minute when Baker Diaz found the back of the net at 74:08, with Nicholas Petrone providing the assist.
The Saints added an insurance goal in the 88th minute as Jack Buyers scored at 87:33 off a Kyle Silverman assist, giving St. Lawrence a 2-0 advantage that it would maintain through the final whistle.
The Cardinals finished the match with 10 shots, including four on goal, while St. Lawrence recorded 18 shots and nine shots on target. Plattsburgh State also held a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Plattsburgh State goalkeeper Matthew D'Ippolito (Baldwin Place, N.Y./Somers) made seven saves in the contest, while the Saints' goalkeeper Zach Amato recorded four saves to preserve the shutout.
With the loss, the Cardinals open the season 0-1 and will look to bounce back when they travel to take on Clarkson University on Saturday at 3 p.m.
