The Press Republican

Sports

NCAA berth on line for Cardinals

By JOHN CORYER
Staff Writer
Published: November 6, 2009

PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh State men's soccer team worked hard to clear its first obstacle towards a State University of New York Athletic Conference Tournament championship Friday.

Joe Bogart's goal 28:43 into the second half lifted the Cardinals to a 1-0 victory over Oneonta in the tournament semifinals at the Plattsburgh State Field House Soccer Complex.

The top-seeded Cardinals (13-2-4) will play Brockport, a 1-0 winner over Geneseo, in today's 1 p.m. championship game, with a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament on the line.

"All you can control in a game is effort and intensity," said Plattsburgh State head coach Chris Waterbury. "We got a great effort today."

The Cardinals, who played the Red Dragons (12-5-2) to a scoreless overtime tie during the regular season, weren't able to get on the board until Bogart's game-winner.

Chris Taylor sent in a long free kick that Bogart and Oneonta keeper Jonathan Korn converged on. Bogart, however, prevailed when he was able to flick the ball into the net.

"The way both teams were playing defensively, I figured the goal would come off a set piece," said Waterbury.

The Cardinals outshot the Red Dragons, 7-2, in the second half and had their chances prior to scoring.

Korn made a great diving stop on Pat Shaughnessy and then a nice save on a Bart Misiak header.

"We had some chances, but it was so hard to break through," Waterbury said. "We were so close.

"Once we got the lead, we put a couple of defensive-minded forwards into the game."

There was no scoring in the first half and the Cardinals had the only two shots on goal.

"There was so much adrenalin and energy on the part of both teams," Waterbury said. "It was like two basketball teams playing great defense.

"The first half wasn't fragmented by poor play. There were hardly any shots on goal because of how well both teams were played defensively."

The Cardinals held an overall 9-2 advantage in shots and a 3-2 edge in corner kicks. Andy Heighington made one save in the Plattsburgh State nets for the shutout.

"The save Andy made was a good one — he was sure and safe in net for us," Waterbury said.

"I don't want to single out any players because it was a great team effort. This, however, is the first time in a while John LoGuirato was able to play 90 minutes.

"And, I thought our fans were great. It was like having a 12th man today."

The Cardinals recorded a 4-1 win at Brockport during the regular season.

"Brockport is going to be a tough team for us," Waterbury said. "They were missing a couple of players when we played them earlier in the season."

Brockport 1
Geneseo 0

Brad Lefort's goal with 33:15 gone in the first half was all the scoring as the second-seeded Golden Eagles advanced to the championship game.

Jeff Palumbo sent in a free kick from the side and Lefort headed it into the net.

Brockport (10-5-2) held a 10-8 shot advantage, including an 8-2 edge in the first half.

Joe Marino recorded the shutout in net with four saves and Mike Madarasz made four stops for Geneseo (9-7-2).

—

Plattsburgh 1, Oneonta 0

Oneonta 0 0 — 0

Plattsburgh 0 1 — 1

Second half- 1, PSU, Bogart (Taylor), 28:43.

Shots: Plattsburgh 9, Oneonta 2.

Saves: Korn, One, 5. Heighington, PSU, 1.

—

Brockport 1, Geneseo 0

Geneseo 0 0 — 0

Brockport 1 0 — 1

First half- 1, Brock, Lefort (Palumbo), 33:15.

Shots: Brockport 10, Geneseo 8.

Saves: Madarasz, Gen, 4. Marino, PSU, 4.

Photos