Clinton's Isaac Merrill (12), with a header on the cross, tries to keep the Cougars' attack at bay. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The North Country Community College Saints earned a 3-1 victory over the Clinton Community College Cougars in an NJCAA Division III Region III men's soccer matchup Wednesday evening at the SUNY Plattsburgh Field House. The Saints (3-7) struck first in the 25th minute when Lyrik Eckersley put the ball in the back of the net to give North Country a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, John Phillips doubled the lead in the 28th minute, putting the Saints up 2-0. The Cougars (2-9) responded before halftime as Henry Gibson netted a goal in the 39th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and giving Clinton hope heading into the break. After a competitive second half, North Country regained its two-goal cushion in the 83rd minute when Ciya La Cognatta scored to seal the 3-1 win. North Country held an 18-10 shot advantage and created several quality scoring chances throughout the contest. Clinton goalkeeper Jordan Hawkins played well despite the loss, making 15 saves to keep the Cougars within striking distance. Saints goalkeeper Jimmy McPherson recorded nine saves in the winning effort. The Cougars finished the match with ten players after receiving a late red card. With the win, North Country improves to43-7 on the season while Clinton falls to 2-10. The rivals will meet again on Saturday, October 10, when the Cougars will look to avenge the defeat and split the season series with the Saints. Gallery

Clinton's Henry Gibson (10) and North Country's Harvey Assis (14) battle for the ball along the sidelines. Gallery