Plattsburgh, NY — Playing in one of its most complete games of the season, the State University of New York at New Paltz went home with three points Wednesday after defeating hosting Plattsburgh State, 1-0.
 
"Today was our best performance all season," said Hawks coach Kyle Clancy. "A great team effort on both sides of the ball. We were able to organize a good press a few minutes into the game and that helped us be on the ball a lot more."
 
The win starts SUNY New Paltz at 1-0 in SUNYAC play and upped its overall record to 4-2-2, as it responded with a hard-fought effort after going 0-1-1 in its last two games. Philip Varner was the catalyst offensively, as the senior put away his second goal of the season, finishing on a service by freshman David Acker in the 39th minute, while sophomore goalkeeper Christian Micheli was a presence in the box as he collected his fourth win in his fourth shutout. 

"Our possession and movement were excellent today and from back to front, the tempo was on point," Clancy said. "This led to many good chances, the most quality chances we've created all year. Phil's finish was a big one and started with a well-timed run and the delivery was spot on. He's been so close recently and I've told him how he's been finding the right spots and that will always lead to goals. It was well-earned by him."
 
The Hawks pressed the Cardinals, re-defending well and winning back possession that created ample chances in their offensive end. They out-shot Plattsburgh, 18-5 in the game, including 10-2 in the second half, while garnering nine corners and allowing just three.
  "I can't say enough good things about our six's and their work to shield the back line and win balls, as well as how in sync the back line was to limit their chances," Clancy said. "I also must mention how good our bench was. Every person that stepped on the field upped the level and that's all I can ask. Very proud of the team today to earn three tough points away from home."
 
SUNY New Paltz tested the Cardinals early with Tim Kane, an All-Region center back in 2021 earning the start up top, forced Teddy Healy to make a save in the eighth minute leading to the Hawks' first corner. Plattsburgh had trouble clearing with Varner and freshman Colin Brant both finding chances for the game's first score.
 
The Hawks continued to put pressure on Healy and Plattsburgh's back line. They earned back-to-back corners midway through the half with the Cardinals having trouble clearing their defensive third. Varner ultimately capitalized off the threat and pushed his team up, 1-0.
 
SUNY New Paltz's defense stepped up from there and held on to the shutout the rest of the way. Micheli was tested three times and made all three stops. Sean O'Neill, Ryan Hilliard, Michael Horner and Owen McGarrity joined Micheli in playing a full 90 to aid in the team's strong defensive performance.
 
"As for defense, it was just a great team effort," Clancy said. "It starts with the pressure we put on up front, continues with great positioning in the middle and the back line was so good at winning the first and second ball today."
 
Varner led the team with four shots, three of which were on goal, with Papis Konate following with three shots in a productive 29 minutes off the bench. Brant earned the start and followed with three shots in 49 minutes.
 
SUNY New Paltz is back on the road Saturday to face Fredonia State for a 1 p.m. match.

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