In a game filled with exciting moments, the Binghamton women’s soccer team got its second win of the season, defeating the Vermont Catamounts 4-2 yesterday night at the Bearcat Sports Complex.
The Bearcats (2-7-2, 1-1 America East) earned their win through grit and determination, as well as a strong offensive effort from senior forwards Kim Povill, who had two goals, and Danielle White, who added one.
‘Kim played one of her best matches, not only controlling the ball, but keeping it as well,’ said BU head coach Jeff Leightman.
Neither team really gained the true advantage in a back-and-forth first half and it looked as if the half would end in a scoreless tie. However, with 32 seconds remaining, White was taken down in front of the Vermont goal, leading to a penalty kick. With White still a bit shaken up, senior defender Katie Kerrigan took the shot, booting it past Vermont’s diving goalie Eliza Bradley into the left corner of the goal. It was Kerrigan’s first goal of the season and put the Bearcats up 1-0 going into the second half.
The Catamounts (1-9-1, 0-2 AE), winding up a nine-game road trip, came out in the second half ready to control the tempo. Unfortunately for them, their backfield ran into the offensive force that was Kim Povill. Scoring two goals in less than four minutes, Povill continued to prove why she is considered one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the America East.
The first goal, at 49:10, was scored after beating two Vermont defenders and finally a sprawling Bradley. Her second goal, at 52:50, was buried into the right corner of the net in roughly the same spot as the first. Povill now has four goals on the season, tying her for the team lead with White.
Leading by a score of 3-0, the Bearcats looked to be in complete control. But two quick goals by Vermont midfielder Carson Laderoute at 72:56 and 78:46 made it 3-2. Vermont forward Jessica Becker added two assists, raising her to a team-leading eight points. Minutes later Kerrigan made a spectacular play on a ball that would have surely been the game-tying goal as BU goalie Erin Iman was caught out of position.
The Bearcats put the exclamation point on the game when White sent a shot into the wide-open Vermont goal to make it 4-2.
‘We didn’t play well and were outplayed in stretches,’ Leightman said. ‘I give Vermont a ton of credit, they have tons of heart and they never quit. However, I’m pleased with the result of this game. I’m not happy with how we got it, but I like the result.’
Next up for the Bearcats are the Hartford Hawks (2-5-3, 0-0-1 AE), who come off a scoreless tie against Stony Brook yesterday night. The Hartford offense boasts freshman forward Mary Beth Hamilton, who was America East Co-Rookie of the Week for Sept. 24. Hamilton has three points thus far in the season.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Bearcat Sports Complex.