By Kamiko Chamble
As the SUNYAC approaches, Plattsburgh State Men’s soccer team is ready to set out on their quest, fueled by ambition and new blood. The Cardinals aim to elevate from their last season and bring home an all SUNYAC championship, even though they closed off their year with an 11-2-5 overall record including an undefeated home and non-conference record.
The season opened with their first game on Aug 29 against Manhattanville, second game was August 30 against Ramapo bringing home both wins, then tying on September 3 against Norwich.
The team is proud to bring 14 new faces, welcoming all the forwards: Rocco Ruscitto, a first year, Robbie Kapovic, a first year student, Mason Brown, a first year, and Gabriel Moscheni, a junior transfer student.
The midfield consists of Davis Lopez, a junior transfer student, Sebastian Ruiz, a first year, Declan Gallagher, a first year, Nicholas Espitia, a first year, Jack Egan, a first year, Garfield Gillespie, a first year, and Cris Arias, a first year. They also have two new goal keepers: Logan Verissimo, a first year and Andrew Moulton a junior transfer student. The team has one new defense Florian Fuchs, a junior transfer student.
“It feels like a brand new team. We got a lot of new energy so I’m excited to see what they bring, but I’ll let their game speak for themselves,” Head coach Chris Taylor said.
The team maintained a consistent presence in the national conversation, earning spots in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 rankings throughout the year. Although their season ended in heartbreak with a SUNYAC playoff loss to penalty kicks, the Cardinals proved they could compete with the best in the region.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the SUNYAC this year, because obviously last year we had a disappointing end in the playoffs. Xavier Kamba, a junior playing forward said “I think this year we’re ready to do big things and have a lot to show.”
Plattsburgh schedule this season features several key matchups that could shape the early season. On September 10, the Cardinals traveled to face Skidmore, a respected regional rival. These early contests, particularly the St. Lawrence rematch, will be critical opportunities to establish rhythm and confidence ahead of the SUNYAC slate.
“I think me coming in, being able to contribute to the team much more helps us as well as the new guys coming in, stepping up for us. I think we’re all meshing together very well right now and have a good season ahead of us,” Sophomore goalkeeper Matthew D’Ippolito said.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Cardinals appear well-positioned to build on last year’s success. With a core group of offensive leaders returning, a defense that proved nearly impenetrable and several rematches offering chances for redemption, Plattsburgh has its sights set on climbing even higher in the SUNYAC standings and making a deeper postseason push.
