2003

The Binghamton University’s men’s soccer team’s dynasty began in 2003. The Bearcats were 6-2-2 in non-conference play before they went undefeated in America East play ‘ with four ties in eight games, two of which were scoreless games, included. The Bearcats never scored more than two goals in a conference game.

In the playoffs, the second-seeded Bearcats defeated third-seeded Hartford in the semifinals, 1-0, on a goal by Graham Munro, a defensive star. The finals against Northeastern, no longer a member of the AE, came down to penalty kicks after the game was tied 1-1 through regulation and two overtime periods. Stephen Bruce, a junior forward, netted the game-winning penalty kick into the left corner to give the Bearcats the title, 3-2.

Binghamton won its first round NCAA tournament game ‘ something it was unable to do in 2006 ‘ stunning Fairleigh Dickinson 1-0 on Joey Neilson’s goal with eight minutes remaining. The season would end in the next round with a 1-0 overtime loss to Saint Louis.

2004

In 2004, the Bearcats were 4-2-3 in conference play, blowing a 2-0 lead in the final game of the season to Albany, which would have secured a first-round bye. The Bearcats squeaked by in the first round of the AE Tournament against New Hampshire after a scoreless regulation and overtime play on penalty kicks, 3-2. They then got their revenge on Albany in the semifinals, 3-1.

On the finals, the Bearcats held a 2-1 lead with 6:29 in regulation remaining against Boston University, but the Terriers tied the game and then won in penalty kicks, 5-3. It was the first of two consecutive seasons that the Bearcats would suffer heartbreaking losses in the finals.

Charles Darkwah’s 12 goals led the scoring. Stefan Gonet had a .89 GAA and 76 saves in 20 games.

2005

BU went 4-2-2 in the regular season in 2005. The Bearcats dispatched Boston University in both the last game of the regular season, 1-0, and in the first round of the playoffs, 5-3 on penalty kicks in a 1-1 tie.

The Bearcats had a decisive 4-1 victory over UMBC in the semifinals, but fell again in the finals on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie to Stony Brook. The Seawolves won 4-2, after both teams converted their first two kicks.

Matt Narode had a team-high seven goals. New goalie Ryan Bertoni made 53 saves and a .63 GAA in 21 games.

2006

Binghamton did not let another finals appearance turn into disappointment in 2006. The Bearcats were 6-1-0 in the regular season after winning just one of their first nine non-conference games. They turned to their third keeper in three seasons, redshirt freshman Jason Stenta, and he became instrumental in the championship run. In the semifinals against Boston, Stenta blocked Terrier sophomore back Paul Mignoga’s penalty kick with a dive to his right to give the Bearcats the win, 6-5 in penalty kicks. The game was tied 1-1.

In the finals against Vermont, senior midfielder Bryan Arnault was illegally taken down inside the penalty box with 58 seconds remaining in the first overtime period of a scoreless game. Barry Neville, now a senior, converted the penalty kick. Neville ran around the field with the Scottish flag on his back and senior captain Kyle Antos, who had battled injuries all season, raised the America East championship trophy over his head in joy, creating the lasting image of the 2006 season. Finally, the Bearcats had recaptured the championship and had officially become a dynasty.

Peter Sgueglia led the team with four goals. Stenta had 57 saves and a .72 GAA in 17 games.