New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team found itself in an unfortunate 2-0 hole against one of the best defenses in the conference in Plattsburgh State (10-6 overall, 7-1 SUNYAC) Friday. Although the Hawks (8-8, 2-6) had more opportunities on net, they couldn't overcome the deficit, playing an uneven second-half and ultimately, the 2-0 result became final. Its fourth-consecutive loss in State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) action officially ended SUNY New Paltz's playoff hopes.

Both teams went back-and-forth throughout the first half. The Cardinals maintained majority of possession to start the game, but the Hawks were patient in finding pockets in their press to counter the other way. However, the visitors pounced on a mistake midway through the half to earn the game's opening goal. Plattsburgh's Chris Robertson picked off a flat pass played in the back, leading to a one-v-one in the box with SUNY New Paltz goalkeeper Marc DePasquale. DePasquale came out, but Robertson slotted his shot past him for the score. 

The Hawks narrowly tied up the game a minute later after earning a corner on the other end. Kevin Doorley got a head on the in-swinging cross and navigated his shot toward the top corner of the net, but the Cardinals' Patrick Feeley made a great diving save to get his fingertips on the would-have-been goal. 
Tommy Jelstrom got in on the action for SUNY New Paltz with 13 minutes left in the half, as he made an overlapping run down the far flank on another counter. Philip Varner found Jelstrom near the edge of the box, but Jelstrom couldn't get a good angle on his shot with his attempt going just wide.

Plattsburgh then answered six minutes later with another score. The play initiated following a foul by the Hawks just outside the box. The Cardinals earned a look on the free kick, but the attempt was deflected out of play leading to a corner. On the ensuing corner, the ball sailed toward the back post and was cleared toward the top of the box to Plattsburgh's Devin Lambe, who one-timed the loose ball back into the six. The shot deflected off the arm of a Hawks defender, leading to a penalty kick for the Cardinals. Luke Rapaport stepped up to take the penalty for Plattsburgh and extended the lead, 2-0.

SUNY New Paltz had flashes in the second half where it moved the ball well, building from the back and getting a few crosses into the box. Ryan Hilliard had a decent look on frame in the 57th minute, receiving a pass just inside the 18-yard box, one-timing a shot that sailed high.

As the clock ticked down to about 16 minutes remaining, the Hawks earned a throw deep in the Cardinals defensive third with Doorley playing the ball into the six and finding the head of Pedro Marshall. Marshall directed his shot toward the goal, but it sailed just over the cross bar and out of play.

SUNY New Paltz nearly cut the deficit in half with five minutes to go. Jonathan Tola played a ball toward the box aiming for the head of 6-foot, 4-inch Luke Dole, who re-directed the ball toward the end line. Kenneth Roby ran onto the ball and took a shot heading toward the far post with Varner there to get a touch into the goal, but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside wiping the goal away. The Cardinals then played out the clock to solidify the 2-0 outcome.

SUNY New Paltz held the advantage in shots (13-7), shots on frame (7-4) and corners (2-1). Feeley finished with four saves for Plattsburgh, while Declan Costello coming in to relieve DePasquale in the second half made one stop.

The Hawks conclude their 2019 campaign Saturday against SUNY Potsdam at 1 p.m. They will honor their four seniors of Costello, Dole, Coltan Goodwine and Gordon Walker prior to the game. The contest will also serve as a "Green Out" with the team asking fans to come out and wear green in support of mental health awareness.

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