PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team opened its home slate in convincing fashion Friday night, shutting out MCLA, 3-0, under the lights at the Field House Complex as the Cardinals kicked off the Holiday Inn Cardinal Classic.
The Cardinals entered the contest coming off their first victory of the season and carried that momentum into their home opener, controlling play throughout the night while outshooting the Trailblazers, 22-3, including an 11-0 advantage in shots on goal. Plattsburgh also held a commanding 14-1 edge in corner kicks.
Plattsburgh broke through in the 36th minute when first-year Oliver Filip (Hauppauge, N.Y./Hauppauge) scored his first collegiate goal. Filip found the back of the net at the 35:02 mark off an assist from sophomore Rocco Ruscitto (Mamaroneck, N.Y./Rye Neck), giving the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The Cardinals continued to apply pressure after the break, doubling their lead just 4:20 into the second half. Senior Jake McGowan (Warwick, N.Y./Warwick Valley) scored his first goal of the season at 49:20, with senior Erick Vargas picking up the assist to put Plattsburgh ahead, 2-0.
Plattsburgh added another goal less than seven minutes later when senior Xavier Kamba (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) found the back of the net in the 56th minute. Kamba's first goal of the season came off an assist from sophomore Declan Gallagher (LaGrangeville, N.Y./Arlington), extending the Cardinals' advantage to 3-0.
The Plattsburgh defense remained stout throughout the remainder of the match, limiting MCLA to just three total shots and zero shots on goal. The Cardinals did not allow a single shot on target, securing the shutout in their return home.
With the win, the Cardinals improve to 2-2 on the season and will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m., as they wrap up the Holiday Inn Cardinal Classic against Manhattanville.
