Box Score

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.  - The Norwich University men's soccer team opened its 2009 season on Tuesday afternoon, dropping a 2-0 decision to Plattsburgh State.

Mike Pinamonti scored the game-winning goal in the 52nd minute, and Anis Makaren added an insurance tally in the 59th minute to help lead the Cardinals to the victory.

Plattsburgh moves to 1-0-0 on the young season, while Norwich's record stands at 0-1-0.

The Cardinals controlled the play in the first half, outshooting the Cadets by a 9-0 margin. NU senior goalkeeper Charles Maxwell kept the game scoreless by turning aside each of the four shots that he faced.

Plattsburgh's pressure finally paid off early in the second half when Pinamonti took a pass from David Hickman and beat Maxwell at the 51:02 mark. Just seven minutes later, Makaren made it 2-0 in favor of the Cardinals as he scored off assists from Pat Shaughnessy and Danny Byrnes at the 58:06 mark.

Andy Heighington saved the only shot that he faced en route to earning the shutout for Plattsburgh.

Maxwell finished the game with seven saves.

Plattsburgh outshot Norwich, 18-1, in the contest. The Cardinals held a 10-0 advantage in corner kicks.

 Norwich head coach Kyle Dezotell was not discouraged by the effort.

"Plattsburgh is very good," remarked Dezotell. "They have a young roster overall, but only started one or two freshmen and looked much more settled and ready for the season to begin than we did. They almost never lose on their home field. They have underachieved in recent seasons, as we typically feel like they are one of the top teams in the country. They are certainly capable of beating any team in Division III.

"While we are disappointed to lose our opener, it is always going to be difficult playing away against a team as good as Plattsburgh with the young line-up that we have. We started five freshmen and there is going to be a learning curve for the new guys. We defended very well, looked relatively organized, and were proud of the way we fought for each other throughout the match. The first goal was unlucky, and once we gave that one up and had to chase the game Plattsburgh was going to get chances and they were able to convert one more for the second goal."

"We will get better each time out and really feel like we have as good a team as in recent years. It will take some time to come together. We will regroup before heading to the MCLA CIAO Tournament this weekend. Our goal is to win the tournament."

Norwich continues its season-opening road trip this weekend (Sept. 5-6) when the Cadets travel to North Adams, Mass., to participate in the MCLA CIAO Tournament. NU will take on host MCLA on Saturday (Sept. 5) at 12 p.m., before tangling with SUNY Cobleskill on Sunday (Sept. 6) at 2 p.m.