You may call it a rebuilding year for Binghamton University men’s soccer, but in my eyes the team has definitely exceeded expectations. In all the matches that the Bearcats have played this season they have not lost by more than one goal. They have leveled up to high-power teams like UC Davis and won matches against teams they tied last season, like Syracuse University and Colgate University.

The Bearcats currently hold fourth place in the America East Conference in non-conference standings. That is definitely something significant when you have only four seniors this season. Just six games in, some of the new players are coming through and showing some great potential. Take Jake Keegan for example; the freshman had one assist and one goal since his debut in September and he has taken a total of 13 shots.

Bearcats head coach Paul Marco stated at the beginning of the semester how his four warriors, seniors Kyle Kucharski, Jason Stenta, Chris Terry and Liam Carson would be pivotal to lead the team this season. Motivating their teammates and setting up great plays, they definitely have been outstanding leaders on the field.

Binghamton’s defense has not been as great as it was last season. Of the six matches they played, the Bearcats outshot their opponents in four of them, not all victories. Stenta has continued to expand his shootout record but his goals against average is 1.16, compared to 0.66 six games in last season. Stenta should be in better hands once the defensive squad gets more experience.

If there is one thing I think the Bearcats have to work on, it is having stronger first half play. This season Binghamton has netted only one goal in the first 45 minutes of play. Compare this with five goals in the second halves. The Bearcats have always been great down the stretch, but I’m sure games would be a lot less tense if Binghamton wasn’t trying to play catch-up in the second half.

The thing that people have to realize about soccer is that it’s not like other sports where points and goals come easily. Soccer athletes always take shots. In fact, the Bearcats take an average of 11.5 shots a game, but at the end of the day it’s about that one good kick that places the ball into the net. The Bearcats have taken a total of 69 shots on goal in the six matches they played this season.

Soccer is one sport where the box score doesn’t make the players. You really have to be at the matches to see who the good athletes are. Kyle Kucharski for example on paper has four assists, but he is also responsible for setting up most of the plays that led to game-winning goals.

Once conference play gets under way, I’m sure the Bearcats will be able to pull through and be competitive in the America East. When that rolls around the new guys will definitely have enough experience. They just have to continue following their mantra of taking it one match at a time, and making adjustments along the way.