The Plattsburgh State women’s soccer team opened up conference play Sunday with a 4-0 win against Potsdam, displaying both its impressive offensive and defensive abilities.
Having not played a game on their home turf since Sept. 5, the Cardinals’ (5-3, 1-0 SUNYAC) appeared to be in top form against the Bears (4-3-1, 0-1 SUNYAC) and had control of the game for the most of the contest. PSUC head coach Tania Armellino said her team came out in Sunday’s game and established themselves early, which is something she had hoped to see out of her team.
“They came out to play, and it’s almost like no matter the outcome, that’s what you want to do is set the tone,” Armellino said. “Then of course to get the win is fantastic and you can carry that momentum into the next week.”
Freshman standout Lindsey Bushey put the Cards on the board about eight minutes into the first half when she was able to sneak a deflected shot past Potsdam goalie Bri Thibeau. But the freshman would not stop there, adding to her SUNYAC-leading eighth goal four minutes into the second half.
The freshman was assisted by Cassidy Clavet, who finished the day with a goal and two assists for PSUC. Clavet’s second assist came on a cross across the box that was finished by freshman Madeline Saccocio for her first goal of the season.
Armellino had stressed the importance of her team playing as a unit and believed it played a huge factor in Sunday’s win.
“The shape was there and that’s what makes us happy,” Armellino said. “I thought the shape was the best it’s been yet.”
Clavet believes that the upcoming games for the Cards will be one of their toughest weekends, as they battle it out against Cortland (2-5-1, 1-0-1 SUNYAC) Friday and Oswego (4-4-1, 1-0-1 SUNYAC) Saturday.
“SUNYAC play is nothing to take lightly at all,” Clavet said. “So just coming out with a competitive mindset and the will to score is huge.”
Cortland opened up SUNYAC play with a 1-1 double overtime tie to New Paltz and 1-0 overtime win against Oneonta and has not fared all that well against out-of-conference teams thus far, going 1-5 in those matchups.
The Red Dragons have been outscored by opponents 12-7 through their first eight games, and their scoring has been spread out. Seven different players have each scored a goal, so there is no single scoring threat. PSUC defender Ashley Pagano believes the Cortland game will be both physical and competitive.
“They’re definitely going to come out strong,” Pagano said. “Cortland is big rivals to us, so it should be a good competitive game.”
Oswego opened up conference play with a double overtime draw against Oneonta last Friday. The Lakers earned their first SUNYAC win Saturday, defeating New Paltz 2-0.
Oswego forward Tia Segretto currently leads her squad with four goals, but has been kept quiet in recent games.
The senior, however, has not scored a goal since conference play began. Segretto has also proved to be a threat with her ability to create chances. The senior’s five assists currently leads the conference.
Clavet believes it will be the momentum that will carry the Cards to a successful weekend and serve as the difference maker in their two matches.
“I think it is a huge factor,” Clavet said. “Especially since we’ll be playing at home, with being on the new turf, as well, will be a huge momentum for us and hopefully we just stick with it and it carries us through.”
Email Alex Reynolds at alex.reynolds@cardinalpointsonline.com.
