New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz yielded two second half goals Wednesday on South Turf Field against visiting SUNY Plattsburgh, resulting in its second SUNYAC loss of the season, 2-1.
 
The offensive production was swayed by a wind gust going from north to south, as each team dominated in possession when playing with the wind in each half with the Cardinals taking advantage twice late to push themselves ahead after the Hawks took the initial 1-0 lead.
 
SUNY New Paltz controlled the first half and out-shot Plattsburgh 8-1 within the opening 45 minutes. The Cardinals got the first real chance on goal, however, as a non-call on Alex Wyant defending allowed Declan Gallagher to get space to try a low shot heading far post in the 12th minute. SUNY New Paltz goalie Matt Katz did well diving to his right, getting his fingertips on the attempt to preserve the 0-0 score.
 
The Hawks started finding success playing the ball weak side to Ryan Zindler, exposing the Cardinals lack of speed on the switch. Zindler nearly assisted on the opening goal in the 20th minute, sending a cross over to an open Colin Brant who one-timed a volley atop of the six, but the shot went directly into the hands of Plattsburgh keeper Matthew D'Ippolito (three saves). SUNY New Paltz continued working the left flank, which helped in its go-ahead goal in the 27th minute. Earning a throw in their offensive third, Hawks center back Ryan Bochenski came up to take the throw which landed deep into the box, finding the head of Alex Wyant who chipped a perfect back-post ball to Brant who guided the ball into the corner of the goal for his fourth goal of the season.
 
SUNY New Paltz took the 1-0 lead into halftime, but Plattsburgh found more success on the offensive end in the second half. The visitors knotted the score 10 minutes into the period, stemmed off a transition from their defensive half. The Hawks played what looked like a beautiful slicing ball over the top, but with the wind the service died short allowing the Cardinals to intercept and play a long clearing ball back into the midfield. They won the 50-50, which resulted in a lofted ball quickly played over the top of SUNY New Paltz's defensive line. Xavier Kamba ran onto the pass and found himself on a 1-v-1 with Katz, slotting his shot past the junior keeper for the game-tying goal.
 
Plattsburgh then added another in the 79th minute, as Robbie Kapovic got space just outside of the box to rip a shot far corner. Katz dove to his right and got hands on the initial shot, but Kamba in the perfect spot got enough on the rebound to put the ball into the net for the go-ahead goal.
 
SUNY New Paltz offense slowed in the final 10 minutes. Brant had the only attempt on goal in the waning minutes, which was saved by D'Ippolito. Sky Attard had one last try on a loose ball that was played in from a free kick, but his try went high of the mark with the 2-1 outcome remaining as time expired.
 
 
The Hawks out-shot the Cardinals, 12-6 in the game with the visitors holding the advantage in the second half, 5-4. SUNY New Paltz held the slight edge in shots on target, 4-3 with each team garnering three corners.
 
Brant led the team offensively, finishing with a game-high five shots, three on goal, in 75 minutes. Wyant followed with two as he played a full 90 minutes of action.
 
Following Wednesday's result, SUNY New Paltz dropped to 8-3-3 overall and 3-2-1 in the SUNYAC, while Plattsburgh went to 8-2-4 and 3-2-1, respectively, with each team sitting at fourth and fifth in the league standings, respectively, after six games played.
 
The Hawks resume conference play Saturday, making the trip to Western, New York to face Buffalo State at 1 p.m.
 

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