PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Senior Gareth Stephens (Yeovil, England) scored his first goal of the season with 1:23 remaining in regulation time Saturday afternoon to lift Plymouth State University to a 3-2 victory over SUNY Potsdam on the opening day of the Cardinal Soccer Classic, hosted by Plattsburgh State.

            PSU led 1-0 at halftime on the strength of a goal midway through the opening frame by freshman Alex Martins (Pawcatuck, Conn.), with an assist from senior Semir Mehmedovic (Concord, N.H./Franklin).  The Panthers extended their lead to 2-0 less than four minutes into the second half, as freshman Dimitrios Kapotis (Woodsville, N.H./Woodsville/Tilton) found the back of the net, set up by junior Drew McSpiritt (Londonderry, N.H.)

            Potsdam started its comeback just 16 seconds later, when freshman Dylan Reed (Ogdensburg, N.Y.) scored the first of his two goals. His second goal came at the 57:32 mark to knot the game at 2-2, and the teams remained tied until Stephens' game-winner in the closing moments.

            Plymouth State finished with a 19-7 advantage in shots.  Senior Nick Giusto (West Islip, N.Y.) got the starting nod in the Panther goal and finished with four saves.  Freshman DJ Martin (Mechanicville, N.Y.) made eight stops for the Bears.

            PSU, 1-0-0, will meet Plattsburgh on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., following the Potsdam vs. Green Mountain College game at 12 noon. Plattsburgh routed Green Mountain in Saturday's first game, 8-0.           

-- 30 --