A Quick Look
The No. 10 nationally ranked SUNY Oneonta men's soccer team defeated Plattsburgh 1-0 today to capture the 2019 SUNYAC title.  The championship for the Red Dragons is its 11^th overall and sixth in this decade.
 
"Chris had Plattsburgh really organized today," said Head Coach Iain Byrne.  "The first half was a bit cagey but in the second half we created enough chances and you know Witman will eventually finish one off."
 
Byrne continued, "On another note, I thought we were really solid in the back.  That group just keeps getting better with every game."
 
The Inside Story
The two teams battled to a scoreless first half of play.  Oneonta (17-2) managed to generate five shots total with two ending up on the frame that were stopped by the Plattsburgh (11-8) keeper.
 
Hernandez broke the deadlock in the 54^th minute with his 23^rd goal of the season.  Sophomore Tristan Battistoni (Pleasant Valley/Arlington) carried the ball towards the box out on the right flank before sliding a pass ahead of Hernandez.  Hernandez collected the pass, took one dribble and fired a rocket towards the goal.  The shot was too hard for the keeper to handle, as it went through his hands before dribbling past the goal line for the score.
 
The Red Dragons created a couple of more chances late in the game but couldn't get the attempts on frame.  The Oneonta back line held the Cardinals out of range over the remaining 17 minutes of the match.
 
Hernandez was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.  Joining him on the All-Tournament Team was Battistoni, classmate Matt Howe (Hopewell Junction/John Jay) and junior Scott Cebollero (Commack/Commack).
 
Just the Stats
Oneonta finished the match with 12 shots while Plattsburgh managed only six shots.  Oneonta held a slight edge in corner kicks 6-3.  Plattsburgh keeper Patrick Feeley made three stops today while Oneonta keeper didn't have to make a save in picking up his 11^th victory of the season.
 
What's Next
Oneonta receives the automatic bid into the NCAA Division III tournament by virtue of its championship.  The NCAA will announce its field of 64 teams on Monday at 1:30pm on ncaa.com.