PURCHASE, N.Y. — The Manhattanville University men's soccer team opened its 2025 season on Friday afternoon, hosting Plattsburgh State in a competitive non-conference matchup. Despite a strong effort, the Valiants fell 2–0 after a scoreless first half.

The opening 45 minutes proved to be a physical, defensive battle with limited scoring chances for both sides. Plattsburgh applied early pressure, earning a corner in the opening minute and testing goalkeeper AJ Lucas (Beacon, N.Y./Beacon) in the 20th, but the senior stood tall to keep the match level in his Valiant debut. Manhattanville settled into rhythm midway through the first half, generating opportunities from Keanu Stingone (Kew Gardens, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy), Guido Sarango (Syracuse, N.Y./Nottingham), and Kenneth Suqui (Sleepy Hollow, N.Y./Sleepy Hollow). The Valiants nearly found the breakthrough in the 33rd minute, but Plattsburgh goalkeeper Matthew D'Ippolito denied Suqui's effort to keep the contest scoreless at the break.

Manhattanville came out aggressive in the second half, with early looks from Griffin Van Cott (Goshen, N.Y./Goshen), Alessio Scanapieco (Westerly, R.I./LaSalle Academy), and Sarango. Lucas continued his strong performance in net with key saves to hold the Cardinals at bay, but the match shifted in the 64th minute when Plattsburgh's Tristan Laundree converted a free kick from just outside the box to put the visitors ahead 1–0. The Cardinals doubled their lead in the 75th, as Laundree set up Santiago Vargas for the final tally.

The Valiants continued to push for a response, generating multiple corner kicks and late chances from David Trujillo (Tampa, Fla./Plant) as well as Aiden Sivio (Staten Island, N.Y./Monsignor Farrell), but D'Ippolito and the Plattsburgh defense held firm through the closing minutes.

Manhattanville almost matched Plattsville's offensive with a 13-12 shot discrepancy. Sarango, Van Cott and Alec Pineda (Yonkers, N.Y./Port Chester) led the team with two shots. Lucas finished with two total saves, one in each half, as well as the Valiants picking up a team save in the second half. Manhattanville led in corner kicks 6-3. 

Up Next

Manhattanville will look to bounce back in its next contest as the Valiants continue non-conference play tomorrow at home playing Penn State Abington at 1 PM. 

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