Talk about deja vu.
For the second straight year, the Binghamton University men’s soccer team fell in the America East Finals by a score of 1-0. Like last year’s game against Vermont, the Bearcats went into the game knowing that they had a tough match ahead of them. Boston University was the only team to beat Binghamton by more than one goal in the regular season.
Boston did not score until the 79th minute when senior forward Jin Oh took advantage of Bearcat goalkeeper Jason Stenta stepping up, by lobbing the ball over his head and into the back of the net.
Binghamton head coach Paul Marco praised Boston University’s soccer program.
“They are a very good team,” Marco said. “In fact, it’s probably the best Boston team I’ve seen in all my years as coach here.”
The Bearcats offense just could not penetrate through Terrier territory. Boston University goalkeeper Hrafn Davidson was only tested once throughout the match, saving only one shot which came from Ryan Tomko in the 40th minute.
“There weren’t too many chances early on,” said junior goalkeeper Jason Stenta. “For the most part they controlled most of the game. They obviously played very well.”
Stenta managed to accumulate four saves throughout the game on Boston’s 14 shots, five of which were on target.
Although the season did not end in a victory, next year’s squad will have large shoes to fill. Binghamton is seeing nine players leave after this season, including six of the starting 11 from the finals game.
The Bearcats already hold the record for most consecutive finals appearances, but they have some time to make up in championships. They have seen impressive moments this season, whether it was the sell-out victory against Vermont on alumni weekend, or the domination of New Hampshire in the only home game of the America East tournament.
Marco applauded his team’s effort for the season and said that they will be able to look back on their accomplishments and be proud. “I am proud of our team and what they accomplished during this tournament,” he said. “After the dust settles … the guys will be able to reflect back and see the accomplishments they made. They represented Binghamton University well.”
“I think we did everything we could possibility do,” Stenta said. “We could’ve probably have made more transfers up the field, but I think we went all out.”
Marco also emphasized the kind of legacy his players left — one he said that was of passion and a sense of camaraderie.
“There may be new faces coming in,” Marco said. “But as far as who we are is not going to change. We will always uphold the integrity of the Bearcats. Don’t worry, you’ll see us back out on the field soon enough.”