Box Score Plattsburgh, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team emphasized all week in practice of playing stronger in the box, both offensively and defensively. Saturday, on the road against Plattsburgh State, the Hawks stepped up big within the 25 and held on to a clinch a 1-0 victory over the Cardinals.

"We were really pleased to hold onto a 1-0 lead for a large part of the game," said Hawks coach Kyle Clancy. "It's a big step for us to be confident defending the box and to stay disciplined and organized even when the moments get frantic." 

The Hawks (10-4-1 overall, 5-2-1 SUNYAC) scored within the 21^st minute of the game. Off a long throw into the box by Kevin Doorley, center back Luke Dole reigned in the loose ball to get a second touch and hammer in the game's lone goal.

SUNY New Paltz's defense then stepped up from there, limiting Plattsburgh State (5-6-3, 3-3-1) to just five shots on target with Dole, Sebastian G-S-Archer and goalkeeper Marc DePasquale coming up big defensively to help maintain the slight margin.

"Our team showed a lot of grit," Clancy said. "Seb, Luke and Marc really showed a dominant effort in the box."

The game was fairly even in terms of opportunities on goal. The Hawks and Cardinals each registered 10 shots, with the latter holding a slight advantage in shots on target, 5-4, while each team earned two corners on the day.

Doorley led the team with two shots, while DePasquale finished with five saves in the win.

The victory pushed SUNY New Paltz second in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) standings, just behind Catskill Cup rival SUNY Oneonta, which the Hawks will face Oct. 20. But before they take on the league-leading Red Dragons, they have one more non-conference matchup Tuesday against visiting William Patterson University.

"Yes it is a big win to hold the tie-breaker over a good Plattsburgh team, but we still have work to do," Clancy said. "[We] will be focusing on improving as we head into a good game versus William Patterson."

SUNY New Paltz is set to take on the Pioneers at the South Turf Field Tuesday at 3 p.m. 

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