Robert Aboagye came up big with the game winner.
The Fredonia State men's soccer team made the eight-hour trek to Plattsburgh worthwhile, coming away with a thrilling 3-2 victory on Saturday. The win greatly improves the Devils' chance of a post-season berth. They are currently in a three-way tie for fifth place in the SUNYAC with one conference game left. The top six teams qualify for the conference tournament.
"Really big win for our program, especially coming back from 2-0. These guys never wavered. I think the leadership of our seniors carried us today." - Head Coach PJ Gondek
The Cardinals seemed to take control of the game, garnering a 2-0 lead in the first half. John Hayes scored both goals just 1:12 apart in the 19th and 20th minutes.
Just under nine minutes into the second half, Markus Johansson got the Devils on the board. Camron Walsh and Kaleb Steward assisted making it a 2-1 game.
Steward would even the game at 2-all with his scoring shot in the 78th minute. Dylan Ange was credited with the helper.
With the clock ticking down, Robert Aboagye connected for the game winner with 2:45 left to play.
The Devil defense kept Plattsburgh from mounting any shots the remainder of the game to hold on for the win. Goaltender Tanner Stutzman took the win with three saves and two goals against. Plattsburgh's Teddy Healy had four saves while giving up three scores.
Plattsburgh held a 15-12 edge in shots, but the Devils had an 8-7 advantage in shots on goal.
"Really big win for our program," said head coach PJ Gondek, "especially coming back from 2-0. These guys never wavered. I think the leadership of our seniors carried us today. They kept saying we're not out if it, and we weren't. The leader of all leaders is Robert Aboagye. To have him score the game winner is fitting. Now we go into the final week with a chance."
The Devils improve to 2-4-2 in the SUNYAC and 3-8-3 overall. Plattsburgh sports an identical 2-4-2 conference mark, but the Devils gained the tiebreaker with today's win.
The Devils will travel to Oneonta, who is 4-2-1 in the SUNYAC, this weekend. A win and they are in, and a loss would require some help.
