The Binghamton women’s soccer team entered its matchup against Maine having lost 11 of its last 13 matches. On Sunday night, however, the BU offense took charge, netting two goals en route to a 2-0 victory over the Black Bears to take its first America East win of the season.
Binghamton (2-11-2, 1-4-1 America East) matched Maine (8-6-1, 3-2-1 AE) stride-for-stride in the first half, with each squad tallying nine shots and four saves in the first 45 minutes of play.
But senior midfielder Katherine Corcoran made the difference in the first half, netting the game’s first goal in the 26th minute off of a direct corner kick. Her first attempt was deflected out of bounds by Maine freshman goalkeeper Claudia Dube-Trempe, setting her up for a second attempt from the corner, which wrapped just inside the far post and into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
“[Corcoran]’s goal was a great strike off the corner kick and gave us a huge boost in the game,” BU head coach Sarah McClellan said. “The girls stayed committed to defending and working on every play and created quite a few great opportunities as a result.”
Maine was unable to find an equalizer in the first half, sending the Bearcats into the intermission with the advantage for just the second time this season.
To open the second period, the BU defense came out ready to protect its rare lead. Sophomore goalie Katie Hatziyianis came away with five saves in the half to give her a total of nine on the day, including a diving stop on a one-on-one Maine opportunity.
“Katie had a superb game,” McClellan said. “She did everything … [she] communicated and played aggressive to get the shutout.”
Hatziyianis’ notable play was bolstered by an impressive performance from the rest of the defense, as the Bearcats held on to the lead and forced a shutout. BU’s back line has been solid all season long, but has struggled to finish out games, giving up 15 second-half goals for the year. They held on Sunday to solidify the shutout.
“Our back line and midfield did a fantastic job to win their battles,” McClellan said. “It takes real resolve to stay composed throughout the game.”
BU converted once more when sophomore midfielder Hannah Shankman secured a loose ball and sent a pass downfield on the right side to junior forward Leighann Bennett, who blasted a goal into the left corner of the net. The 87th minute score by Bennett was her first of the season and secured the victory for the Bearcats.
Sunday’s victory is BU’s first since its opener against St. Bonaventure nearly two months ago. It is also Binghamton’s first conference win of 2015. The Bearcats are currently in last place of the America East standings with four points.
Binghamton is set to return home on Thursday to face off against UMBC. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.