CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – It was a back and fourth battle between the Plattsburgh State Cardinals (14-5-3) and the Bowdoin College Polar Bears (11-3-4) in the first round of the NCAA Div. III Men's Soccer Tournament. In the end it was the Polar Bears who outlasted the Cardinals in a 1-0 decision on the campus of MIT on Saturday.
 
First half between the Cardinals and Polar Bears was scoreless although both teams had a few quality chances. Bowdoin pressured the Cardinal defense early forcing goalie Mitchell Jordon to make a few nice saves.
 
The Cardinals found some strength despite battling numerous injuries, which caused a different set of lineups throughout the first half. At the break Plattsburgh State found themselves with a 5-2 advantage in shots over the Polar Bears.
 
The second half of play was more or less the same as the first, with Bowdoin finding more opportunities to get shots through the Cardinal defense. Jordon was a big presence in the second half for the Cardinals. The Bolton Landing, N.Y. native made five saves in net to keep the score level through the majority of the game.
 
It was only a matter of time however, with Bowdoin continuing to pressure late in the game, the Cardinals needed to find a way to clear the ball from danger.
 
With 15 seconds remaining in regulation, Polar Bear midfielder Moctar Niang got a head on the end of a corner kick that sailed far post to win the game.
 
Polar Bear goalie Stevie Van Siclen finished the game with one save, while Jordon tallied six saves for the Cardinals.
 
Bowdoin College will advance to play MIT tomorrow in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. MIT were 5-1 winners over Bridgewater State in the 11 a.m. contest.
 
Plattsburgh State finishes its season with a record of 14-5-4.  
 
The Cardinals have a lot to look forward to in 2016. There are seven seniors departing this year, but the talent that remains will make the next few seasons very interesting and fun to watch.