Box Score Box Score

Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford women's soccer (7-2-3, 3-0 America East) scored the game-winning goal with just two seconds left in regulation as the host Hawks pinned a heartbreaking 1-0 loss on Binghamton women's soccer (5-7-1, 1-1-1 AE) Thursday afternoon at Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium.

The Bearcats had a throw-in near midfield with 20 seconds left and both teams were seemingly content to head to overtime. But BU turned it over and a quick pass down the left side led to a last-ditch Hartford threat. Leading scorer and reigning America East Striker of the Year Chanel Johnson dribbled to the endline before sending a dangerous rolling cross toward the front of the net. With a Hawks forward and two Bearcats defenders and keeper converging on the doorstep, the ball was redirected into the Binghamton net for what appeared to be an "own goal."

"For a majority of the game we did a good job of controlling the tempo and choosing our moments to attack and defend," head coach Sarah McClellan said. "It's just really unfortunate that with two seconds left it got away from us. Though it wasn't our best showing today, it was an even game and a good competitive game for us on the road. But we'll look forward to our next game ... every single game you have to move on, regardless of the result. We'll hit the road again on Saturday and will be ready for Stony Brook on Sunday."

Binghamton held an 11-10 edge in shots and had two strong chances in the first half, when play was more wide open. In the 16th minute, a BU corner kick resulted in the first good chance of the game for either team. Junior midfielder Rebecca Raber sent the corner into the box, where it skimmed off a Hawks defender right to sophomore midfielder Katie O'Neill. O'Neill drove a header toward the right netting but Hartford keeper Jessica Jurg extended to deflect it over the crossbar.

The Bearcats had another good chance in the 39th minute when senior midfielder Emily Nuss presided over a 20-yard free kick. Nuss cleared the wall of defenders but her rocket sailed over the bar.

The attacking opportunities lessened in the second half as both teams settled into a more defensive posture.
Senior Gaby Gold made three saves in the first half and freshman Katie Hatziyianis also made three saves in her 45 minutes of work. Hatziyianis mading a diving stop in the 62nd minute off a dangerous Hartford free kick.
Binghamton wound up with six corner kicks - five in the first half when BU held a 9-5 shots advantage.

The Bearcats next play at Stony Brook Sunday afternoon.