NEW PALTZ, NY- The SUNY New Paltz men’s soccer team fell to the visiting Cardinals from Plattsburgh Saturday afternoon by the score of 3-0 on Alumni Field. The Cardinals used two goals in a minute to take control of the game.
Dave Gardiner nearly gave the Hawks the early advantage in the seventh minute when is one-timer off Nick DiPaolo’s cross was just wide of the left post. A minute later, Jimmy Altadonna received a through ball from Tommy Garafola and Altadonna’s shot was saved by the Cardinals keeper Andy Heighington.
Gardiner again was stopped by the diving Heighington after the throw in by Garafola was deflected to Gardiner. On the proceeding corner, Mike Santalesa played a ball into the box and found the diving Gardiner for the header that sailed just over the cross bar as the Cardinals dodged early opportunities by the Hawks.
In the 14th minute, Plattsburgh’s Chris Taylor sent a free kick from the right corner into the box for the Joe Bogart, whose headed was just over the cross bar.
Heighington kept the game scoreless with a diving save after Santalesa sent a free kick into the box and found Altadonna for the one-timer in the 22nd minute.
In the 29th minute, Harrison Lane played a soft touch to Lucas Natel who dribbled down 10 yards and fired a shot just wide of the left post.
In the 35th minute, Plattsburgh struck first off a corner by Taylor who found Bogart for his first of the season. A minute later, Greg Wiley played a through ball to Joe Griffin who beat Tom Viscardi left corner and a 2-0 advantage. The Hawks held a 9-5 shot advantage after one half of play.
It was Taylor again in the 62nd minute finding Brandon Levine for the header and his first goal of the season off a corner.
Andy Heighington recorded the win in net, saving all six of his shots faced in the first half for the shutout. Plattsburgh improves to 9-2-2 overall and 4-1-1 in the SUNYAC.
Tom Viscardi recorded the loss in net, saving three shots on the afternoon. New Paltz falls to 6-6-1 overall and 1-5-0 in the SUNYAC. The Hawks return to the field Wednesday against Union at 4 p.m. on Alumni Field.
