If a more heartbreaking way to lose a game exists, it’s probably illegal, since the United States bans cruel and unusual punishment.
The Binghamton University women’s soccer team (10-6-4, 5-2-1 AE) had their rollercoaster season cut short on Sunday in the America East semifinals after falling to the Maine Black Bears 3-1 in penalty kicks at Boston’s Nickerson Field.
“It’s hard to have to fall on penalty kicks when you fight and claw all day,” said head coach Jeff Leightman. “It was a really good game and it’s unfortunate that one team has to go home. It was a great battle, it’s hard to go home, it’s hard to know it’s over.”
Both teams had their chances throughout the game, which was highlighted by fantastic defense and strong goaltending on both sides. Though Maine held a 25-11 shot advantage, the statistic is very deceptive as both teams had similar scoring opportunities.
After playing 110 scoreless minutes, the game was headed to a sudden death shootout decided by penalty kicks. Senior midfielder Kelly Sanders converted on her first shot, following a goal by Maine sophomore Laura Harper. The Bearcats were then stopped by sophomore Jasmine Phillips (the America East Goalkeeper of the Year) on their next three tries, while Maine connected on two of three, giving them an insurmountable lead and a trip to the America East finals.
“We were shocked,” said junior forward Danielle White. “No one thought this was going to be the last game of the season.”
The Bearcats went home with heavy hearts, knowing that this was the final game for seniors Sanders, Meghan Taylor, Vicky Vernicek and Lauren Massey.
“Everyone was devastated,” Leightman said. “It wasn’t the game, obviously the result was devastating, but the hardest thing is the seniors will never play again. They’ll never put on the Binghamton jersey again is what’s so hard. They have been such a part of our team for four years.”
To reach the semifinals, the Bearcats defeated UMBC in an overtime thriller last Friday. BU fell behind early, but for the first time this season won a game where they did not score the first goal. White tied the game on a corner kick from Sanders, and the Bearcats won in overtime when sophomore forward Kim Povill drilled a feed from Massey past the Retriever goalie.
The parity in this conference became evident as all four playoff games went to overtime. Maine and Boston will square off for the conference title Friday at Nickerson field.
Even though the Bearcats were unable to defend their title, they still consider the 2005 season a success, and with many key players returning, hope next season will be another great one.
“It was a rollercoaster ride,” added Leightman, reflecting on the team’s second straight season with double digit wins. “There were lots of ups, and lots of downs. We were just a couple of penalty kicks away from defending our title. We really wanted that chance. We didn’t lose. It’s disappointing, but overall we’re very satisfied.”