Box Score Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – For the first time since 1988, the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team (6-6-1, 2-2-1 SUNYAC) defeated No. 19 SUNY Plattsburgh (9-1-2. 1-1-2 SUNYAC), downing the Cardinals by a count of 1-0 in State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) action Friday afternoon at Alumni Field.

New Paltz had not scored in a game against Plattsburgh since Sept. 25, 2004, when the Hawks lost to the Cardinals in a 3-2, double-overtime decision. The Hawks last vanquished the Cardinals in 1988, doing so by a 3-1 margin. The win was New Paltz's second victory against a ranked opponent this season and handed Plattsburgh its first loss of the season.

In what showed to be a very even matchup between both teams, senior forward Jimmy Altadonna's (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) goal at 72:05 became the difference-maker in ending the Hawks' drought against the Cardinals. Senior defenseman Evan Martel (West Sayville, N.Y./West Sayville) crossed in a pass to Altadonna from the left flank, allowing the senior forward to send the ball inside the right post from close range.

The marker, Altadonna's second on the season, gave the Hawks their first lead against the Cardinals since Sept. 19, 2003, when New Paltz held a 2-1 advantage in the 65th minute of the game.

Hawk sophomore goalkeeper Conor Power (White Plains, N.Y./Archbishop Stepinac) earned his fifth shutout of the season with an eight-save effort on 17 Plattsburgh shots. Opposing goalkeeper Andy Heighington managed to save five New Paltz shots on 16 attempts.

The Hawks look to continue their winning ways in SUNYAC play Saturday, Oct. 8, when they host SUNY Potsdam at 1 p.m. at Alumni Field.