Upstate Update - Week 7

By Mani Tafari

The Upstate Update brings you up to speed on Division III men's soccer in the "Upstate" New York region, home to the SUNYAC, Liberty League, and Empire 8. Several key matches will be recapped each week along with a more in-depth look at a Game of the Week.

Game of the Week

Buffalo State at Plattsburgh State

Saturday, October 17

Once again the SUNYAC is proving to be one of the toughest conferences in the country. Two teams coming off disappointing games did battle to salvage the weekend.

The Season Thus Far

Plattsburgh State (11-1-3 / 3 -0-3) entered the game as the only SUNYAC team that was undefeated in conference play. Still, the Cardinals entered the game disappointed after a 2-2 tie against lowly Fredonia. Buffalo State (9-4-2 / 3-2-1 ) entered the game with a decent record on the year, but a day after a heartbreaking one goal loss to the Potsdam Bears.

An exciting game was deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes with the home team Plattsburgh holding a slight 11-8 advantage in shot attempts while slightly outplaying the visitors. The overtime period would see Plattsburgh stamp their authority on the game as they came out firing on all cylinders. The Cardinals would outshoot and out possess their opponents during the overtime periods and did everything but put the ball in the back of the net .

Game On

Just when it seemed Plattsburgh would have to settle for yet another conference tie, their goal came just in time to save the weekend. A corner kick awarded with 35 seconds remaining in the second overtime period was bent in expertly by Fabian Chaparro for  the much deserved win.

Take Away

Plattsburgh (12-1-3 /4-0-3) remains unbeaten in league play and have done a lot to bolster their NCAA resume. Buffalo State (9-5-2 / 3-3-1), after a fine start to the year have now dropped back to back overtime games to conference foes they may see again in the very near future.

Around the Region

RPI 3, Clarkson 1 - RPI (9-3-3 / 2-2-2) began the year with a school record 10 game unbeaten streak, but are now 1-3-3 in their last seven games. Clinton's men have no more room for error the rest of the way. Clarkson (4-8-2 / 1-4-1) must begin to plan for 2016.

Hobart 3, Bard 2 - After 15 minutes, visiting Bard (5-8-1 / 0-6-0) was up 2-0 against the Statesmen before eventually losing 3-2. Bard has been extremely competitive in a strong conference losing five games by a lone goal after leading in several conference games. Gradual progress is being made and the rest of the league is taking notice. Hobart (10-2-2 / 3-1-2) meanwhile takes a must win game to stay on the right side of the playoff race.

Ithaca 0, Skidmore 0 - Skidmore (9-2-1 / 4-0-0) sit comfortably atop the Liberty League, but will have to raise its level of play as it prepares to face a desperate RPI and an improved St. Lawrence. Ithaca (4-7-2 / 4-1-0) are still atop the Empire 8 while Stevens are making a sustained charge.

Elmira 3, Houghton 1 - Elmira (6-4-3 / 2-0-3) joins Stevens as the only unbeaten team in Empire 8 play.

St. Lawrence 3, RPI 0 - The youth movement at St. Lawrence (10-3-2 / 4-2-0) is in full swing. Freshman Tapshak “Tap-in” Augustine had a brace and an assist in becoming the team’s leading scorer while classmate Jethro Dede has quickly taken command of the Saint midfield.

Case Western Reserve 1, Rochester 0 - Rochester (4-3-5 / 0-1-3) could be in serious trouble.

Brockport State 1, Geneseo State 0 - Brockport (10-2-2 / 4-1-2) go from strength to strength and are one of the teams to watch heading into the business part of the season.

RIT 1, Vassar 0 - For a long time RIT (7-7-0 / 4-2-0) have been overlooked in the Liberty League. With one foot firmly in the playoff race, this is no longer the case. The future also looks bright for the young Tigers as freshman Gene Sicoli continues his amazing debut season by notching his ninth goal of the year. He also leads his team in assists (4) and shots (25) on the season. Vassar (6-5-2 / 2-3-0) must play perfect soccer in order to gain a post season berth.

Team of the Week

RIT and St. Lawrence

The Liberty League has been led by experienced players over the last few seasons. Both RIT and St. Lawrence are being led offensively by players  who are acclimating and dominating simultaneously.

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