The Binghamton men’s soccer team’s excitement was short-lived and was followed by disappointment after splitting a pair of matches at the NIU Adidas Invitational over the weekend. The Bearcats (3-1-2) defeated host team Northern Illinois, 1-0, on Friday, before falling to Loyola University Chicago, 4-0, on Sunday.
In the opener, NIU (0-4-2) and the Bearcats engaged in an even match early on. As the first half progressed, the Huskies put pressure on Binghamton’s defense with a header that was blocked by redshirt freshman goalkeeper Alejandro Cubillo, which he blocked for his first of two saves. The Bearcats, however, countered with their own offensive pressure.
With the game still scoreless the 29th minute, junior forward Ben Ovetsky gave the Bearcats the breakthrough they were searching for. He fired a curling shot from 20 yards out that found the back of the net to give BU a 1-0 lead. Ovetsky’s goal, the first of his collegiate career, proved to be the game-winner.
“I thought that Ben Ovetsky was outstanding on Friday night and perhaps our best player [this weekend],” said Binghamton head coach Paul Marco.
The goal was the only tally of the game, as the remaining minutes saw both teams play almost even in the shots and saves columns. The Bearcats held off the Huskies’ attack to give Cubillo his second consecutive clean sheet.
Binghamton concluded the invitational against Loyola University Chicago (5-0) on Sunday. The Bearcats were overmatched for much of the game, surrendering three goals in 90 seconds to break their unbeaten streak.
“I felt like there were a lot of minutes in the second half especially where we were quite good,” Marco said. “I am disappointed that we did not get a chance to show that in the first half much.”
Through the opening 30 minutes, BU registered just one shot, but managed to hold off the Ramblers’ attack. Following a clear on a corner kick in the 37th minute, Binghamton was caught flat-footed and forgot to defend the second ball in. Loyola redshirt sophomore midfielder Grant Stoneman converted a full volley to give his team the lead, 1-0. Over a minute later, Loyola added an insurance goal on a tap in from a foot away. The ball came into the end line and redirected off of a Binghamton defender’s foot, leading to an easy goal. Loyola added a third goal 11 seconds later to gain a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Binghamton conceded another goal early in the second half, capping a 4-0 routing by the Ramblers. Offensively, Binghamton failed to capitalize on the few opportunities that presented themselves. The Bearcats managed only four shots total, only one of which was on goal. Ovetsky got behind the defense and struck the ball solidly with his left foot, but the shot sailed high. Late in the second half, Binghamton missed a golden opportunity from four yards out on a header.
“Right after the game you could see that they were disappointed in how they performed,” Marco said. “But our guys have some belief that we are a little better than we played.”
Binghamton is set to return home for a match against Cornell on Wednesday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.