Smart play benefitting team

A total of 326 straight minutes without allowing a goal is evidence that the Plattsburgh State women’s soccer team is ready to be a top competitor this year.

The Cardinals captured their third consecutive victory, defeating Elmira 1-0 Sept. 5. PSUC (3-1-0) had no trouble controlling the game and was in sync offensively as a team. The team kept Elmira goalkeeper Gabe Carmona alert throughout the game, pummeling her with 29 total shots, 16 of which were on goal.

“It was a mixture of shots not falling and facing a good keeper,” head coach Tania Armellino said.

With six minutes remaining, PSUC was finally able to break Carmona with a shot from freshman Lindsey Bushey giving the Cards a 1-0 lead, which they would be able to hang on to.

“She’s great up top and can score goals,” Armellino said. “Once she gets more comfortable with our formation and our style of play, I think that she’s going to be great.”

PSUC’s defense continued to be unbreakable, as they have posted three straight shutouts. Senior goalkeeper Danielle Schmitt has also played a huge factor in the Card’s win streak and boasts a 0.933 save percentage through four matches.

“I was just more relieved than anything when Lindsey put one in the back of the net,” Schmitt said.
Armellino said she is excited to see her team off to a great start and believes it’s a good thing to see the young players getting involved.

PSUC traveled to Troy Thursday night for a non-conference game against RPI (1-1-0). The Engineers are coming off of a 1-0 victory against Endicott Aug. 31, but have not competed since.

“They’re known to be a good team,” Armellino said. “I think that they’re athletic, talented, hard workers and it will be a good battle.”

Entering the game, Armellino wanted capitalizing on scoring opportunities to be the team’s focus, which is something the team has practiced. PSUC was able to fire off 16 shots on goal in their previous match against Elmira, but capitalizing on these opportunities was the struggle.

Senior defender Ashley Pagano has proved to be a vital aspect in the team’s impressive defense thus far and she believes that the success of the team has given the Cards confidence.

“Our defense is definitely coming along and we’re defending as a unit,” Pagano said. “Our goalkeepers have really been coming in strong for us too.”

PSUC has dominated opponents statistically, having outshot opponents 78-35. The team has scored 14 goals while allowing only a single goal this season. Bushey currently leads the team with four goals thus far.

“I think we’re on a high note right now and everybody’s positive,” Pagano said. “We want to keep the success coming so we’re working hard in practice and giving everything we have.”