The Plattsburgh State Cardinals celebrate their first regular season title in 14 years. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinals ended a 14-year wait for a conference crown Saturday afternoon, defeating No. 18 Cortland 2-1 at the Plattsburgh State Field House Complex to claim their first SUNYAC regular-season championship since 2012 and secure the No. 1 seed in the tournament. With the conference title and home-field advantage on the line, the Cardinals overcame a physical battle and, down to one man, played the final 38 minutes to earn one of the program's biggest victories in recent memory. Plattsburgh struck first in the 31st minute when Robbie Kapovic scored his fourth goal of the season, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage. The hosts doubled their lead just before halftime when a Cortland defender accidentally redirected the ball into his own net in the 44th minute, sending Plattsburgh into the break with a 2-0 lead. The intensity only increased after halftime. Despite being reduced to 10 men after a red card, the Cardinals kept defending aggressively against the nationally ranked Red Dragons. Cortland finally broke through in the 81st minute when Owen Brant netted his ninth goal of the season, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and setting up a tense finish. However, Plattsburgh's defense held firm over the closing minutes to secure the victory and the championship. Goalkeeper Matthew Dippolito was instrumental, turning aside nine shots to preserve the lead. Cortland goalkeeper Jordan Ott finished with two saves. The contest's physical nature was evident throughout the afternoon. The Red Dragons received two yellow cards, while the Cardinals got two yellow cards and one red card in a hard-fought battle between the conference's top teams. With the victory, Plattsburgh clinched its first SUNYAC regular-season championship since 2012, earning the tournament's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Cortland also earned a first-round bye, and both teams will host SUNYAC semifinal contests on Nov. 4. Gallery