For the Binghamton men’s soccer team, the 2015-16 season has been all about exceeding expectations. Projected to finish seventh in the America East (AE), the Bearcats (10-7-2, 3-3-1 AE) have won their most games since 2009 with a team that has 15 freshmen. BU continued its breakout year on Wednesday against Albany in the conference semifinal, as junior forward Logan Roberts tallied the lone goal with just over 10 minutes left in regulation. The 1-0 BU victory secured his team’s position in the America East conference final for the first time in seven seasons.
Initially, quality offensive opportunities were limited to a few breakaways, most of which were recorded by the hosts. Until the 80th minute, the Bearcats had been on the outside looking in, in terms of possession and shots on goal.
Albany (10-8-1, 5-2 AE), controlled most balls in the midfield, pushing into Binghamton’s offensive zone to create viable goal-scoring opportunities. The Bearcats fought to counter the attack, but failed to capitalize as the score remained knotted at zero.
BU head coach Paul Marco knew he needed to make an adjustment to spur momentum for his team.
“We just wanted to take what Albany was giving us and use it for our advantage,” Marco said. “We made a tactical change where we decided to drop our backs back a little bit deeper to try and build play a little more.”
Although this change would prove effective later on, it went unnoticed by Albany, who came out with noticeable intensity to start the half. While the Binghamton defense successfully limited sophomore forward Afonso Pinheiro’s opportunities in the opening half, it still allowed the current America East Striker of the Year to create dangerous chances. Over a 10-minute span, it appeared as though the Bearcats had run out of gas. Just as he has done all year, however, junior goalkeeper and America East Goalkeeper of the Year Robert Moewes stood his ground in numerous key moments, recording eight saves on the night.
A free kick late in the second half proved to be the deciding play. Binghamton freshman midfielder Harrison Weilbacher delivered a strike into the box from 40 yards out that found senior midfielder Tucker Sandercock, who won a tough battle near the goal. He then headed the ball back to junior forward Logan Roberts, who situated himself on the right side in front, before firing the game-winning shot in the 80th minute.
“It’s something we’ve been looking for all season,” said Roberts regarding the goal. “I just happened to find myself in the right spot when Tucker got the ball, and I was able to put it in.”
A door had opened for the Bearcats, and another began to close for the America East regular season champions. Albany had its chances in the final minutes of the game to even the score, including a corner with one minute remaining. The shot nonetheless was gobbled up by Moewes, and along with it, all hopes of an Albany comeback.
Binghamton, who came into the matchup with the fifth seed, will return to the America East Championship game for the first time since 2009, when Boston University defeated the Bearcats, 1-0.
For Marco, the win symbolizes the time, energy and sacrifice devoted all season to create a winning atmosphere.
“Any time you get to the championship game, it’s just a thrill because there’s so much work that guys put in,” Marco said. “Our staff puts in tremendous amount of hours and all of that effort is to try to help your team win a championship.”
He largely attributes his squad’s success this season to the growth of Binghamton’s large freshman class. Facing elimination from the conference tournament, the Bearcats relied heavily on their newcomers to keep them alive. Also making an impact were freshman midfielder Conrad Nowowiejski and freshman defender Florian Orth, both of whom contributed to stifling the aggressive Albany attack. While the young core has worked well together all season, BU’s best games may lie ahead.
“I think they have a little more to give, another layer in there that they can go up,” Marco said.
As it attempts to capture its first conference crown since 2006, Binghamton is set to face off against second-seeded Vermont. The Catamounts also won on Wednesday night, knocking off two-time defending champion UMBC, 2-1.
“We’re going to look at this game a lot of the way that we looked at the Albany game and just battle and try to get a win,” Roberts said.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon on Sunday from Virtue Field in Burlington, Vermont.