Jack Healy (15) is embraced by teammates following his third career goal at the Field House in a game against Union Sept. 16.
Xavier Kamba (29) celebrates his goal against Potsdam at the Field House Sept. 20. Kamba, a first-year, has made his mark on the Cardinals, standing second on the team in points with seven.
By Micheal Purtell
The Plattsburgh State Cardinals remain undefeated after earning two ties on the road against fierce SUNYAC competitors, the Brockport Golden Eagles (4-2-3, SUNYAC 2-0-1) and New Paltz Hawks (6-1-2 SUNYAC 1-1-1). The Cardinals now sit on a 5-0-3 record with a 1-0-2 record in SUNYAC games.
The Cardinals battled with the Hawks in a 1-1 tie Wednesday, Sept. 27. The scoreboard was put to work early with a New Paltz goal just five minutes in. Plattsburgh was quick to respond as senior Jack Healy put the ball in the net at the 16-minute mark, assisted by junior John Hayes.
Jack Healy’s goal against New Paltz marks his third in just four games. That’s more goals in his last four appearances than in his first two seasons. This uptick in scoring has been crucial to the Cardinals record so far.
Plattsburgh State traveled to Brockport Saturday, Sept. 23 for a match that would ultimately end scoreless, 0-0. Headlining the action was junior Teddy Healy, who had four saves — he stopped every shot on goal from Brockport. This marks his fourth shutout this season, and his second in a SUNYAC match.
This would mark the last conference match against Brockport, as it announced it was leaving the SUNYAC and joining the Empire 8 for the 2024 season.
These games saw Plattsburgh facing off against rivals from last season’s SUNYAC tournament. New Paltz finished within the top three conference teams for the past two seasons, and Brockport was right behind them last season at the fourth seed.
The sixth-seeded Cardinals upset the Hawks, but were then knocked out of championship competition by the Golden Eagles.
“Brockport are a historically strong team. We lost to them last year, but we felt that we played one of our better games that day,” Head Men’s Soccer Coach Chris Taylor said. “A year ago, we felt like we were on top of Brockport for 89 of 90 minutes and we lost 2-1.”
This respect is felt through more than just the coaching staff. Junior Brian Coughlan had two shots in the showdown with Brockport, and had nothing but respect for the tenacious defense.
“Them being one of the stronger teams in the league last year means that coming away with a tie is a good result. Especially since it was at Brockport,” Coughlan said.
Plattsburgh has been using its red-hot start to the season to keep its players motivated and looking forwards, where it knows it can continue to compete with the best teams in the conference.
“This is only our third SUNYAC game, so we have a lot to do,” Teddy Healy said. “It starts with us. We tied a good Brockport team, we’re playing a very good New Paltz team. Everyone is motivated, everyone is excited. There’s been a good energy at practice all week.”
Plattsburgh State will look to harness that good energy and remain undefeated in its upcoming matches. It will face the Oswego Lakers at home Saturday, Sept. 30. An out-of-conference match against Morrisville will signify a break in the SUNYAC action Wednesday, Oct. 4. The month will then see five consecutive SUNYAC matchups, starting with a game against Fredonia Saturday, Oct. 7.
Mo Badje (left) shares a chat with Head Coach Chris Taylor after a 2-1 win over Union College at the Field House Sept. 16. The Cards have gone 1-0-2 since, remaining undefeated in the SUNYAC.
