Looking to capitalize from a successful last season the Plattsburgh State Men’s soccer is full of potential.
The Cards finished (14-5-3, 4-2-3 SUNYAC) unfortunately they did not win the title but they made it to SUNYAC and NCAA Division III tournament.
PSUC head coach Chris Waterbury said the team is eager to get out on the field and play.
“We have a great group of guys that are ready to get out there and play,” Waterbury said.
The Cards have started preseason play with two straight wins at home this past weekend.
In a great showing, the Cards secured a win in the first two games of the new season against Salve Regina University 4-1 on Friday and Medaille College 1-0 on Saturday.
Goals from sophomores midfielder Nicholas Laurent, forward Alex Price and Junior midfielder Ian Spear and Forward Chris Robertson helped the team get the win.
PSUC played Clarkson University Tuesday night and beat the Golden Knights 1-0 in double overtime.
Ian Spear shot the game winning goal in the 101 minute to win the game for the Cards.
Waterbury said the team has found their style of play for this year team.
“We are more of a possession oriented style and high pressure kind of team.”
The Cards are still finding things out about themselves as they continue their season.
Junior midfielder Ian Spear said that the team is still learning and growing.
“The college game is about maturing and learning as you go.”
Freshman Kyle Pfaff said that although certain freshman do not see the field as much come game days coach is still preparing them for when their time comes.
“Coach is getting the freshman as much playing time he can,” Pfaff said. “Coach is making sure all the freshman are paying attention during games and practices.”
PSUC feels confident about starting the season. Waterbury said that the team still has some things to work on to be successful this year.
“We lost a couple of key components from last year’s team we have a bunch of new players this year,” Waterbury said the challenge is that since we have a bunch of players from all over it is hard to blend all the styles together.”
PSUC (3-0) will look to remain undefeated as they are back on the road this Saturday as they participate in SJC Invitational Tournament and face St. Joseph College. Waterbury said the team is doing really well but he wants them to be better.
“The guys are coming along and meshing really well but we are not playing how I want us to play.”
Spear said that team is focusing on the basics in practice this week.
“We focus on solid defense and working on our offensive schemes.” Spear said. “Guys know what to expect and exactly what we need to work on because coach knows his stuff.
Waterbury said some key factors are not giving up halfway and keep consistently playing.
“We have to play for 90 minutes we are trying really hard to stay consistent and keep everyone on the same page.”
Email Adonys Temple at adonys.temple@cardinalpointsonline.com
