If one word could sum up the manner in which the Binghamton University men’s soccer team’s season ended, ‘heartbreaking’ would do.

The Bearcats (6-11-1, 2-6 America East) were narrowly beaten by Stony Brook University (11-5-1, 4-3 AE), 5-4 in overtime, in the quarterfinal stage of the America East tournament on Saturday. Stony Brook junior midfielder Will Casey scored the game-winner in the last minute of overtime to settle an enthralling encounter that the Bearcats had at one point led 4-2.

“We had done so well to get back into the game after we went down 1-0 and 2-1,” Binghamton head coach Paul Marco said. “We fought hard. And then when we were 4-2 up, I never thought we would lose the game, even when they scored their goal to make it 4-3. I thought we would still win the game. Overall, it was a heartbreaking defeat because I thought we played well enough to win the game.”

BU went into the game on the back of five straight losses in America East play, and things did not start well for the Bearcats at LaValle Stadium. In the 10th minute, SBU freshman midfielder Alejandro Fritz found senior forward Raphael Abreu with a cushioned pass in the box, and Abreu tapped the ball into the goal from about three yards out to give the Seawolves an early lead. The Bearcats responded with a goal of their own five minutes later from senior midfielder Adam Whitehead, who lashed in a magnificent effort from more than 30 yards out that found the top corner.

Stony Brook went ahead again in the 27th minute with a goal from Fritz before Binghamton equalized for the second time seven minutes prior to halftime with another long-range strike. Senior captain back Trey Jasenski’s 25-yard effort hit the underside of the crossbar but crossed the goal line as it bounced back down and into the net.

With the momentum in their favor, the Bearcats came out of the halftime break and took the lead for the first time in the 48th minute. Whitehead’s pass found senior forward Jake Keegan, who finished neatly from outside the box to put BU ahead.

A minute after the hour mark, BU extended its lead to 4-2. Whitehead and Keegan were involved again in the buildup and ultimately the midfielder’s cross set up sophomore forward Steven Celeste, who headed the ball into the open goal from close range.

But with just under 20 minutes to go, BU let the two-goal lead slip away as the Seawolves rallied back to take the game to extra time. In the 74th minute, a free kick delivery from Stony Brook senior midfielder Kyle Schlesinger made a long way into the box and found senior midfielder Leonardo Fernandes, who tapped the ball in. With a minute go, the Bearcats defense was exposed again as a scramble inside the box ended with Fritz pouncing to score his second goal of the game and make the score line read 4-4.

The game remained tied until the last minute of the first period of overtime. It was yet another set piece that unlocked the Binghamton defense, as an in-swinging freekick from Fernandes caused confusion in the box. The loose ball eventually bounced onto the feet of Casey, who slammed it home to end the Bearcats’ season.

Marco said he believes the team’s failure to defend in the penalty area ultimately cost the Bearcats the game.

“I just didn’t think we defended well in the box,” he said. “We didn’t defend individually very well. The fourth and fifth goals were from loose balls into the box. Their guys were fortunate they got to it first. I thought we should have done better with the initial balls in.”

In his farewell season, Keegan finished the year with 11 goals in 24 games, and Whitehead tied his career-high number of assists with seven. Keegan earned America East First Team All-Conference honors for his play throughout the season. He also was named to the conference’s all-academic team.

Marco praised the graduating team members for their contributions to the program and said that the team will sorely miss them.

“Their success cannot be measured by the wins and losses they had on the field, but on who they are and what they brought to the team, and the manner in which they conducted themselves on and off the field,” Marco said. “That is a terrific group of guys, and I wish them the best of luck.”

Freshman goalkeeper Stefano Frantellizzi also received conference honors, earning a spot on the America East All-Rookie Team.

Ultimately, Marco said he is pleased to have won one more game than last season, and he said the team’s displays throughout the season have left him looking forward to next season with optimism.

“I think the team is back on the right track, moving in the right direction,” he said. “One thing this year has taught us is that we are a pretty good team. We can move the ball around. We are attractive and athletic. We need to learn to complete games and finish teams — that is one area that we have to adjust through offseason and spring season, but I think that is just part of maturity and growth, and … a little bit of luck, as well.”