PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Graduate student Paul Silva scored twice, including the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the 80th minute, to lead the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Plattsburgh State.

Silva got the scoring started in the sixth minute when he tallied his first of the season. The Engineers continued to control the play, getting five shots off with two on goal in the first 45 minutes. 

Plattsburgh took advantage of one of its two corner kicks in the half, tying the game in the 27th minute. Alex Graci collected a clearing attempt at the top of the box and found the left side of the net on the Cardinals' only shot of the first.

The playing field evened in the second half as each team took five shots in the half, with both earning strong opportunities to break the tie. Plattsburgh goalkeeper Teddy Healy helped keep the game tied in several instances, including a save in the 55th minute when he punched a hard shot with an outstretched arm to the right side of the field. 

A foul on the edge of the box gave the Engineers a penalty kick and Silva slotted a shot into the upper left corner of the goal for the lead. RPI controlled the ball for the final minutes of the game to secure the victory.

RPI is now 1-2-1 and the Cardinals fall for the first time, dropping to 3-1-0.