By Kamiko Chamble
The Plattsburgh state men’s soccer team brought home a great win against Oswego state
on the 18th. The Cardinals came off a strong run playing their conference rival, but this game
was different.
The Cardinals won 3-0, Plattsburgh set the tone right away with the first whistle. After
senior midfielder, Santiago Vargas, made a superbly timed through-ball behind the Lakers’ back
line, first-year forward Rocco Ruscitto opened the scoring in the twenty-first minute. We in the
student section sensed that Oswego appeared shaken, as if momentum had changed.
As the first half went on, junior midfielder Jake McGowan’s astute wing play gave the
Cardinals a two goal lead in the 33rd minute.
For Plattsburgh, the second half felt at ease. Oswego made an effort to rally, but their
slowness due to being down a man allowed the Cardinals to carefully control the play. First-year
forward, Robbie Kapovic scored the third goal in the 70th minute after breaking free from a ball
in the attacking third and finishing one-on-one with the goalie.
It wasn’t all blistering attack, though. The back line stepped up, sophomore goalkeeper
Matthew D’Ippolito made key saves and kept the shutout. Plattsburgh fought strong all game and
got to celebrate an amazing victory.
Junior forward Tristian Laundree, junior forward Xavier Kamba, sophomore defense Jack
Murphy, first year forward Rocco Ruscitto, junior midfielder Dvais Lopez, senior defense Justin
Siegel, and first year midfielder Nicholas Espitia all had one shot throughout the game. Senior midfielder Santiago Vargas and first year midfielder Cris Arias had two, while first year forward
Robbie Kapovic had 3.
The Cardinals arrived, executed, and left with no doubt about it. With a sharp start, solid
fundamentals, and a fearless attitude, they showed what they’re capable of.
