New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team nearly came back from a 3-0 deficit Saturday in its SUNYAC quarterfinal match against No. 6 seed Plattsburgh State, but the rally came up just short with the Hawks falling, 3-2.
 
The Cardinals took a 3-0 lead to open up the first half, which started in the eighth minute, as they worked the ball down the sideline before centering a ball to Dylan Shalvey who hit a lofted shot over the outstretched hand of the Hawks' Christian Micheli in the top corner for the goal.
 
SUNY New Paltz had numerous chances to put away the equalizer earning set pieces on long throws and corners in its offensive end. Gabriel Cruz nearly had one in the 18th as Ryan Hilliard played a good service in behind for the senior who ran onto the ball into the six, but Plattsburgh goalie Teddy Healy came out to deter the shot enough for the ball to go wide. 
 
The Cardinals upped their advantage in the 30th minute off a corner played into the box. The Hawks had trouble clearing the second attempt and in turn, Plattsburgh found Cole Weiner in behind who finished in front of net, but the linesman on the near side had his flag up signaling offsides. After deliberation with the head official the call was overturned resulting in a Cardinals 2-0 lead. 
 
 
Kane again had an opportunity to find the back of the net with 14 minutes left, as he hit a volley that was destined for the top corner, but Plattsburgh's defense came up big once again getting enough on the shot to deflect the attempt just over the crossbar resulting in another corner.
 
The Cardinals scored just before the half ended in the 39th minute, as SUNY New Paltz mishandled a ball in the back allowing Brian Coughlan to win the loose ball in the box, having an easy finish on a 1-v-1 in point blank range to beat Micheli and create a 3-0 deficit.
 
The Hawks had a better second half performance, as they pushed numbers forward and finished on two of its 15 second-half shots.
 
Cruz helped create the first Hawks goal, beating his defender down the flank before sending a whipping cross into the middle of the box. Plattsburgh had trouble clearing and, in the chaos, Joseph DiPreta was there to clean up for the score.
 
Cruz was the catalyst in the team's second goal as well, as he worked his way into the box before getting tripped up to create a penalty kick opportunity. DiPreta stepped up to take the attempt and calmly slotted his shot bottom right corner to cut the score, 3-2 with 36 minutes still left in regulation.
 
SUNY New Paltz continued to press and narrowly tied the score. In the final five minutes Kane and Thomas O'Neill both had chances on net, while Sean O'Neill almost flicked in a header off a service played in from the wing by Michael Horner. Healy was caught out of position, but once again the Cardinals defense was there to clear from the goal line.
 
The Hawks held the advantage in shots (22-16), shots on goal (8-7) and corners (5-2). They were led offensively by Kane who posted eight shots, four on goal, followed by Thomas O'Neill with five, while Micheli finished with four saves.
 
Plattsburgh advances to the semifinal round against No. 2 SUNY Oneonta with the victory, while SUNY New Paltz finishes its 2022 campaign at 9-5-3 overall.

Game Highlights


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