SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team scored twice in the final eight minutes of regulation to rally from a two-goal deficit and earn a 2-2 draw against Union College on Saturday afternoon.
The Cardinals, who entered the contest following a 1-1 draw against a competitive Skidmore College side at home, found themselves trailing by two goals before mounting a dramatic late comeback on the road.
Union opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Kofi Sarfoh scored off an assist from Joseph Carofano. Sarfoh added his second goal of the afternoon in the 67th minute, converting a penalty kick to give the Garnet Chargers a 2-0 advantage.
Plattsburgh State began its comeback in the 83rd minute when senior Xavier Kamba (Nyack, N.Y./Nyack) cut the deficit in half with his second goal of the season. Kamba attacked a ball near the top of the box and threw himself into a diving header, directing his attempt into the back of the net. Senior Tristan Laundree (Keeseville, N.Y./AuSable Valley) provided the assist.
The Cardinals continued to press for an equalizer and found it just over four minutes later. Senior Michael Rodriguez (Jefferson Valley, N.Y./Lakeland) scored his first goal of the season in the 88th minute, connecting on a bicycle kick following a long throw in to bring Plattsburgh State level at 2-2. Laundree was credited with his second assist of the afternoon on the equalizing goal.
Plattsburgh State continued to threaten in the closing minutes after leveling the match. The Cardinals hit the post and, in the final seconds, saw another scoring opportunity cleared off the line as they nearly completed the comeback with a game-winning goal.
The late rally capped a strong offensive finish for the Cardinals, who recorded 13 shots on the afternoon, including seven on goal. Union finished with nine shots and six shots on target.
With the result, Plattsburgh State moves to 2-3-2 on the season. The Cardinals return to action Tuesday at home against RPI.
