Men’s Soccer Downed 4-1 in SJC Invitational Opener

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| Senior Justin Heredia tallied the Golden Eagles' only goal via a penalty as the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision to SUNY Plattsburgh in the opening match of the annual St. Joseph's College Invitational Tournament played at Danzi Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

With the loss the Golden Eagles fall to 0-3 on the year while the Cardinals improve to 4-0.

Plattsburgh came out of the gate strong and scored the first goal of the game in the third minute when Jonathan Gamboa pounced on a loose ball in the box following a corner. Just 10 minutes later Gamboa would find the back of the net for the second time on the afternoon when he finished across goal from the left side on a 2-1 break.

The Cardinals made it a three-goal lead in the 33rd minute with a Hunter Allen tally, but Heredia's converted penalty in the 44th minute ensured the Golden Eagles were down just two goals (3-1) heading into halftime.

SJC opened the second frame well and maintained possession for the opening 10 minutes, but it was Plattsburgh that scored the next, and final, goal of the game when Nicholas Laurent roofed an attempt near the right post to clinch the 4-1 victory for the guests.

The Cardinals outshot the Golden Eagles 17-12 on the afternoon and forced SJC keeper Avery Gomez to make six saves Plattsburgh also held an 8-4 advantage on corners.

The Golden Eagles return to action for day two of the St. Joseph's Invitational Tournament tomorrow when they take on NJCU in the tournament's finale at 2:30 PM. St. Joseph's-Brooklyn faces Plattsburgh at 12:00 PM in tomorrow's opener. Live stats can be found here.