PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Norwich men's soccer team dropped its second straight match on Wednesday, falling to SUNY Plattsburgh, 2-0 in non-conference action under the lights at the Plattsburgh State Soccer Complex.

The Cadets were once again plagued by a slow start as Plattsburgh's Joe Anatari broke the ice early with an unassisted goal just two minutes into the match to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead that they would never relinquish.

Plattsburgh controlled the tempo and shots throughout the rest of the first half and with just five seconds remaining before halftime, Mike Payne added an insurance marker for the Cardinals to make it 2-0.

The Cardinals outshot Norwich 13-2 in the first 45 minutes.

With their backs against the wall, the Cadets regrouped in the second half and matched Plattsburgh shot for shot with both sides registering three. However, NU was unable to get any of their chances on net.

"We played an excellent second half, easily the best half of the season thus far," said NU head coach Kyle Dezotell. "If we can compete and play like that for 90 minutes, we are going to be a very difficult team to beat. We can't wait to begin GNAC play Saturday."

Andy Heighington picked up the clean sheet for Plattsburgh while Alex Toomey was saddled with the loss for Norwich. Toomey made two saves on seven shots on net to fall to 0-2 on the year.

Plattsburgh stayed undefeated on the season and moved to 3-0, while Norwich dropped to 1-3.

The Cadets return to the pitch on Saturday when they close out their five-game road trip to open the season with their first GNAC match at Saint Joseph's (Maine). NU opens the home portion of its schedule next Tuesday, Sept. 13 against rival Middlebury at 4 p.m. at Howard Field.

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