Box Score Box Score

Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)

VESTAL, N.Y. - Cornell junior midfielder Shanay Fischer headed home a cross from the right side with 54 seconds remaining in the first overtime to give the visiting Big Red (5-1) and 1-0 win over Binghamton women's soccer (4-6) Sunday at the Bearcats Sports Complex. The game was BU's final non-conference matchup before America East plays begins.

After the teams played scoreless soccer for more than 99 minutes, Cornell seized its opportunity. After two free throws down the sideline, freshman forward Tess Pullano blocked a clear attempt and crossed to the six yard spot, where Fischer slipped between two defenders and put her uncontested header into the far corner.
The goal spoiled a strong defensive effort from the Bearcats, who limited Cornell to six shots. The starting back line of senior Connie Gormley, sophomores Allison Mack and Kelly Corrado and freshman Hannah Shankman played tough one-on-one defense and thwarted numerous scoring chances.

The Bearcats will remember a no-call on a handball in the box late in regulation that might've made the difference. A cross from the right bounced up and hit a Cornell defender square in the hand but didn't draw a whistle.

"We played a great 90 minutes ... probably the best full game we've had this season," head coach Sarah McClellan said. "To play that well against a strong team on a winning streak ... I thought we deserved a better fate out there. Our effort and focus were tremendous. The defense played a lot better than last game. We still have a few players out of the lineup so they're doing a good job of adjusting to what we have available."

Binghamton held a 9-6 edge in shots, including a 5-1 margin the first half, when the play was a bit more wide open. Senior midfielder Emily Nuss ripped two shots just over the bar in the first half and sent a perfect through ball to junior Stephani Church that was intercepted by the Cornell keeper. Late in the half, sophomore midfielder Katie O'Neill had two scoring chances - one off a corner kick that caromed wide off her thigh and another hard shot from 25 yards that was saved in the final minute of the first period. 

Senior keeper Gaby Gold went the distance and made two saves. In addition Gold smothered several dangerous crosses, including one with just 1:30 left in regulation.

Binghamton plays its conference opener next Sunday when Maine makes the long trek from Orono to Vestal. The Black Bears were picked to finish third in the Coaches' Preseason Poll. Binghamton was slotted seventh.