NOVEMBER 12, 2015
 
America East Semifinal Wrap Up
 
Seven years ago today, the Binghamton men's soccer team won a 1-0, double-overtime game at Albany in the America East semifinals. In the process, the Bearcats punched their conference-record sixth straight trip to the America East championship game.
 
The ensuing six seasons have been difficult as far as playoff runs go. But thanks to Logan Roberts' goal against the Great Danes last night, Binghamton has finally returned to the big stage.
 
Prophetic Statement
 
Logan Roberts has always been a stand up guy. At the preseason media day, he took responsibility for the lack of goals the team scored in 2014 and vowed to correct that.
 
Has he ever.
 
Roberts scored the first goal in the Oct. 3 win over Vermont, the game winner against New Hampshire on Oct. 14. And that was before last night.
 
Roberts' three goals ranks third on the team and represents his career-best total.
 
Quick Contact
 
Before he got on the team bus last night, we asked Pascal Trappe if he had talked to his parents back home in Berlin. Even though it was 5 AM back in Germany, Trappe had indeed got through to his mom and dad.
 
Trappe's parents were in the U.S. for a week to visit him from Oct. 24-30. He scored two of his six goals during that stretch.
 
Overcoming Adversity
 
Trappe and senior midfielders Tucker Sandercock and Bret Celeste have all had careers plagued by injuries. Each has expressed gratitude that they have another season to play at Binghamton. On Sunday, all three of them will be playing in their first America East title game.
 
"I am very thankful to be back," Trappe said during the first day of preseason in August. "It means a lot to me to have another chance to play after being injured for so long."
 
So Where Does It Rank?
 
Yesterday, we counted down the Top 5 semifinal games that Binghamton has played in during its America East era. In light of last night's victory, we need to revise the list.
 
The 2008 win over Albany ranks No. 1 and the 2006 shootout win over Boston holds at No 2. But a win on the road against the regular-season champions slides last night's game into the No. 3 spot.
 
Let's Go To The Video Tape
 
Time Warner Cable News had their Albany affiliate on the scene last night. Click here for the highlights and post-game interview.
 
This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 12, 2008
 
Expect anything different?
 
On the Menu
 
A great chicken parm pregame meal at a quaint Italian restaurant prior to the match at Albany started off the afternoon right.
 
At the end of the meal, however, the coaches decided to have a little fun and had the waitress bring the check over to me. I quickly caught on to the joke when I saw that I couldn't have eaten 32 meals.
 
Still, it was very good prank.
 
We will have much more in tomorrow's update.
 
Posted on November 12, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




NOVEMBER 11, 2015
 
Top 5 List: Semifinal Games
 
With the Bearcats facing Albany in the America East semifinals tonight, its time for another Top 5 List. Today, we count down the Top 5 semifinal games that Binghamton has played since it joined the conference in 2002.
 
2004: Binghamton 3, Albany 1
 
One week after dropping a 3-2 decision at Albany, the Bearcats returned and avenged that defeat. Tied at 1-1 in the second half, Binghamton netted a pair of unanswered goals to return to the finals for the second straight year.
 
2005: Binghamton 4, UMBC 1
 
In the regular season, Binghamton lost a 1-0 double-overtime decision to UMBC at the West Gym Field. The Bearcats took that wrong and made it right in the semifinals in Baltimore. Peter Sgueglia notched three assists.
 
2003: Binghamton 1, Hartford 0
 
In Binghamton's first America East playoff game, Graham Munro converted a penalty kick in the 80^th minute at the West Gym Field. The victory, coupled with a loss by top-seeded UMBC brought the title game to Binghamton one week later.
 
2006: Binghamton 1, Boston Univ. 1 (6-5 win in penalty kicks)
 
With the exception of the 2003 and 2006 title games, this was without question the most dramatic Division I era game at the old West Gym Field. Joey Neilson tied the game at 1-1 in the 80^th minute. That set the stage for the decisive shootout.
 
Through five rounds of the penalty kick shootout, Binghamton and Boston were tied at 5-5. Kyle Kucharski nailed his kick in the top of the sixth frame. Jason Stenta then guessed right, saving the Terriers' attempt in the bottom of the frame.
 
A little side note on that game….before the Terriers' final attempt, we were out on the field, in front of the Bearcat bench. We heard a player behind yelling at us and turned around. It was captain Kyle Antos, who had a big grin on his face.
 
"Get out of our way," he said.
 
When Stenta made the save, Antos and the rest of his team charged the field, passing right by us.
 
2008: Binghamton 1, Albany 0 (2 OT)
 
Cameron Keith's goal in the second sudden-death overtime period sent the Bearcats to their conference-record sixth straight title game.
 
Before the game, the media had asked the team if their season would be a failure if they did not beat Albany. Every player responded yes.
 
After the Bearcats mobbed Keith, they returned to the field to shake hands with the Great Dane players. Keith helped up one of the defenders who was still on the ground.
 
"You guys better win the title after this," the Albany player told Keith.
 
The two players hugged.
 
A class gesture on both sides.
 
So that brings us to tomorrow. Let's see if we have another game to add to this list.
 
Posted on November 11, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
 

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Coming Through In The Clutch

Having substitute players who can make something happen is a big emphasis on the Binghamton men's soccer team. On Saturday, with 15 minutes left in regulation against Stony Brook, junior forward Alex Varkatzas subbed into the match.

Twelve minutes later, the match was tied at 2-2 and Varkatzas assisted on both goals. Binghamton forced overtime and went on to win 3-2.

"There were only 15 minutes left and we were down two goals so it only made sense to bring on a striker," he said. "What I tried to do was bring as much energy as I could and hopefully, we could flip the script and that's exactly what happened."

With Binghamton down 2-1, Varkatzas made a play that saved the Bearcats' season. With Binghamton in the attacking end, he chased down a loose ball that looked like it was heading out of bounds on the end line. Stony Brook let up, figuring it would be a goal kick. Varkatzas didn't and he crossed the ball right in front of the net. Nikkos Psarras then tipped it in the goal to tie the game.

"The ball went off one of our center back's heads so I knew that if the ball went out, it would be a goal kick," he said. "There were only four minutes left and I figured if it was out, it would be a goal kick, so I might as well go after the ball."

Had Varkatzas not gone after that ball, the Bearcats might have been turning in their uniforms on Monday. Instead, he and his teammates were out training at the Bearcats Sports Complex. The mood of the team at the start of training couldn't have been better.

"We are super excited to have another day to come out here and train," he said. "We can't wait for (the match against) Albany."

Reading List
Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the win at Stony Brook

Let's Go To the Video Tape
Click here for WBNG TV's recap of the win over Stony Brook and a look ahead to Albany.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 10, 2004

How is this for good timing?

Binghamton won 3-1 at Albany in the America East men's soccer semifinals. The Bearcats gave up the No. 2 seed by losing 3-2 to the Great Danes one week earlier in the regular-season finale.

Posted on November 10, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghatmon.edu




NOVEMBER 9, 2015

AE Quarterfinal Wrap Up

Wow.

So much to take away from the men's soccer team's 3-2 double-overtime win at Stony Brook on Saturday night in the America East quarterfinals. We'll try and go through as much as we can today.

Revisionist History

On Friday, we ranked the top 5 Binghamton men's soccer America East quarterfinal games in program history. We had the 2005 win over Boston ranked No. 1….until now.

To be down two goals on the road with less than 17 minutes left to go in regulation and pull it out. That makes it worthy of our number one slot.

Good Answer

Two weeks ago, after Harrison Weilbacher's long-awaited goal against UMBC, we asked Pascal Trappe who the next player would be to finally break into the scoring column.

"Nikkos (Psarras)," he said without hesitation.

Pascal was right, of course. But even he could not have predicted the magnitude of Psarras' goal that forced overtime against Stony Brook.

Off The Bench

When we wrote a feature article on Psarras two weeks ago, Coach Marco has stated that he tells his players coming off the bench that he expects them to make a difference on the field.

Psarras scored the game tying goal against the Seawolves and Alex Varkatzas, another substitute, had a pair of assists. It was Varkatzas' cross that set up Psarras' goal. 

Hanging Tough

We talked with Trappe after the game and asked him what the mentality of the team was after Stony Brook went up 2-0.

"We all kept telling each other that we were playing well and just needed to keep doing the things we were doing," he said. "Nobody got down and we played with a lot of confidence."

The previous week had no doubt been the toughest for the Bearcats this season between the heartbreaking loss at Stony Brook on Oct. 30 and the frustrating loss to Albany four days later. Then to go down 2-0 in the playoffs would have sunk many teams.
"We have a lot more confidence now," Trappe added. "We can't wait to play again."

Showing Their Worth

On Friday morning, we broke the news to Head Coach Paul Marco about Trappe, Zach Galluzzo and Robert Moewes all being named first-team all-conference. The official announcement would come later in the afternoon.

"That's great but we need them to play like first-teamers tomorrow (at Stony Brook)," he said.

For the record, Galluzzo and Trappe both found the back of the net on Saturday night.

Alumni Support

We talked with 2003 Binghamton men's soccer alum Keith Augeri, who was at the game on Saturday. He is a high school teacher on Long Island and happened to be at both games against Stony Brook

 "It was a great comeback win," he said. "The guys showed a lot of determination to come back from 2-0 down. It was fun to watch. In the game (at Stony Brook) last week, they played well but faded. In this game, they got stronger as the game went on."

Lots more to talk about tomorrow, including the team's media day, which takes place this afternoon.

Posted on November 9, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu

NOVMEBER 6, 2015

Top 5 List: First Round Games

Today's Top 5 List counts down the best first-round America East Tournament games the men's soccer team has played since joining the conference in 2002. Sure, the Bearcats would love to have not played in that round at all (something they accomplished in 2003, 2006 and 2007).

Still, Binghamton's first-round games have contained plenty of fire works

5. 2012: Stony Brook 5, Binghamton 4 (OT)

Despite the final result, the nine goals scored provided for plenty of fireworks. Jake Keegan played his final career game for the Bearcats and finished with a goal and an assist.

4. 2008: Binghamton 3, New Hampshire 1

Cody Germain cemented his reputation for coming up big in the playoffs with a goal and an assist. Cameron Keith also had a goal and an assist as the Bearcats won their first-round game at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

3. 2004: Binghamton 0, New Hampshire 0 (SO)

After four rounds of the penalty kick shootout, Binghamton and New Hampshire were dead even at 2-2. Stef Gonet then made his penalty kick attempt in the top of the fifth frame and saved the Wildcats' ensuing final attempt.

2. 2014: Binghamton 1, Stony Brook 1 (SO)

Robert Moewes was the star of the penalty kick shootout, coming up with three saves. The victory was the Bearcats first in a playoff game since 2008.

Special mention goes out to Tucker Sandercock, for tying the game late in regulation and to Bret Celeste, for nailing the winning penalty kick in the bottom of the sixth round.

1. 2005: Binghamton 1, Boston Univ. 1 (SO)

Yesterday was the 10-year anniversary of this classic matchup. In a rematch of the previous season's title game, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw before the Bearcats won the shootout 5-4. Ryan Bertoni had the key save in the top of the third frame. Peter Sgueglia buried the game winner in the bottom of the fifth frame.

Of the eight first-round matches Binghamton has played in, six of them have gone into overtime. Three of them have extended all the way to a penalty kick shootout.

Binghamton is 1-4-3 in America East quarterfinal games but has won the three decisive penalty kick shootouts, with three different goalkeepers.

Will Saturday night be another game to add to our Top-5 List?

Stay tuned.

Posted November 7, 2015 at 9 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




NOVEMBER 5, 2015
 
Albany Wrap Up
 
Not the night the Bearcats wanted but a few takeaways from the final day of the regular season.
 
-The Bearcats were picked to finish seventh in the America East preseason coaches poll. They finished in a three-way tie for fourth place.

-Binghamton scored at least once in six of the seven home games they played during the regular season. For the second time this year, the Bearcats scored in the final minutes when they were down 3-0.

-Karamo Diaby is the fifth Binghamton freshman to have scored a goal this season. He joins Harrison Weilbacher, Kristian Piippo, Conrad Nowowiejski and Florian Orth.

-Binghamton will face Stony Brook in the America East quarterfinals for the third time in five seasons. The Seawolves won a 5-4 overtime decision at Lavelle Stadium in 2012. Last year, the two squads played to a 1-1 draw at the Bearcats Sports Complex before Binghamton won the decisive shootout 4-3.

-This is the first time in program history that the Bearcats have carried the No. 5 seed into the America East Tournament. In 12 previous appearances, they have been every one of the other five seeds at least once (No. 1 twice, No. 2 once, No. 3 four times, No. 4 three times and No. 6 twice)
 
Kudos to the Local Media
 
Yesterday afternoon, yours truly was up in Oneonta watching his stepson play in the first round of the New York State boys' soccer tournament for Vestal High School. Unfortunately, the Bears lost 2-1 to Cornwall. All four TV stations also made the trip up to Oneonta but were back in time for the Bearcats' game at 6 p.m.
 
The local video media has always been terrific in their coverage of the Binghamton men's soccer team. Having made the hour-long trip to Oneonta yesterday, however, we have a deeper appreciation for all of the work that they do.
 
On the Menu
 
Excellent job of catering last night by the soccer parents at the postgame tailgate.
 
The chicken Marsala and garlic knots stood out in particular. The homemade vegetable rotini pasta salad was also quite good.
 
We had a sweet tooth last night and dug into the homemade chocolate chip cookies…especially after the busy travel day we had.
 
This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 5, 2005
 
Today marks the 10-year anniversary of Binghamton's first-round America East game against Boston University at the old West Gym Field. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw before the Bearcats won the decisive penalty kick shootout 5-4.
 
Ryan Bertoni made the decisive save in the top of the third round against the Terriers. That set the stage for Peter Sgueglia to score the game-winning shot two frames later.
 
Posted on November 5, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




NOVEMBER 4, 2015

Setting the Stage

Three months ago, the men's soccer team reported back to campus for preseason training. The temperature back on August 11 with 75 degrees.

Tonight, the Bearcats take on the Albany Great Danes in their regular-season finale. The temperature at game could be in the high 60s.

WNBF Morning Show host Roger Neel brought up that point right away during Wednesday's interview with head coach Paul Marco.

"This is almost like the day you brought the squad in for the start of preseason training," he said.

The weather may be about the same but much has changed about the Binghamton men's soccer squad in just three months. When they reported back to campus, the Bearcats had 16 new faces and were facing several injuries right off the bat. When the America East preseason poll was released, Binghamton was picked seventh.

Tonight, Binghamton can nail down a top-two seed in the upcoming America East Tournament with a victory over Albany. Should they win and Stony Brook tie or loss to UMBC, then the Bearcats would capture the conference's regular-season title.

At the start of the season, Coach Marco had a feeling this year's team would be in the thick of things at this stage of the season. But he did not expect the temperatures to hold up as much.

"We brought the guys big, heavy jackets for the matches this year," he said. "We were freezing on the benches last year at times. But we won't need them tonight obviously."

A Good Mindset

On Tuesday afternoon at training, Coach Marco and junior forward Logan Roberts met with members of the media to preview tonight's match.

Afterwards, the TV stations took footage of the Bearcats playing a couple of games of keep away with the soccer ball…before the start of practice. The banter and laughter within the circles caught the interest of the reporters.

"Who wouldn't want to come out to this every day," Marco asked them.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here for WIVT's coverage of Tuesday's interviews

Click here for Time Warner Cable News' coverage

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 4, 2006

Barry Neville scored on a penalty kick near the end of the first sudden-death overtime period, lifting the Bearcats to their second America East title in four years. The Bearcats defeated Vermont 1-0 in the final game ever played at the old West Gym Field.

The quote of the day, however, was given by senior midfielder Bryan Arnault. As a freshman, he was part of the 2003 squad that won the program's first America East title. The following two seasons, he was on the squad that dropped the 2004 and 2005 title games in heartbreaking fashion.

A Pipe Dream reporter asked Arnault how it felt to win a pair of America East titles during his career.

"We should have won four," he answered.

Posted on November 4, 2015 at 9 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




NOVEMBER 3, 2015
 
The America East
 
The America East has yet to release its official scenarios to us but in the meantime, let's go over some impressive information about the eight conference men's soccer programs.

• America East teams are 43-29-11 in non-conference action this season, a .584 winning percentage.
• Ten of those wins have come over teams that reached the NCAA Tournament a year ago (Binghamton and UMBC over Ohio State, UMBC over Oakland, Hartford and UMass Lowell over Monmouth, Albany, UMass Lowell, New Hampshire and Vermont over Hartwick, New Hampshrie over Datmouth).

Do The Math
 
For the Binghamton men's soccer team, Wednesday night can be broken down into three scenarios.
 

1. A Binghamton win over Albany clinches a first-round bye.
2. A Binghamton win over Albany AND a Stony Brook tie or loss at UMBC clinches the No. 1 seed.
3. A Binghamton loss or tie would result in a finish between 2 and 5. 

Fans' Choice
 
Last year, Steven Celeste was the runner up for the America East Fans Choice Award. This year, Robert Moewes is the nominee.

Click here to go to the ballot to vote for him.
 
This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History
 
Binghatmon wins the 2007 America East regular-season title with a 1-0 win at Stony Brook. Barry Neville scores on a free kick in the 40^th minute.
 
Posted on November 3, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




NOVEMBER 2, 2015

Looking Back and Moving On

A tough one on Friday night but if someone were to mention back in August that Binghamton would be in position to win the regular-season conference title this late in the season, they would have raised some eyebrows. Picked seventh with such a young team, the Bearcats have certainly held their own this year. And they are not done yet.

Please Stay!

At halftime of the game against Stony Brook, we met up with Pascal Trappe's parents in the stands. In the two games they have seen their son play since arriving in the United States, he has scored a pair of goals.

When we mentioned the idea of them staying the rest of the year, as long as Pascal keeps scoring, they seemed flattered.  We brought up the idea of taking a collection for them to stay and the rest of the Binghamton fans were definitely in favor of it.

Opposing Point of View
Before the game at Stony Brook, we talked with Jeff Bernstein of Stony Brook's streaming video production. Bernstein is the play-by-play announcer for the men's soccer team and has also been in that role for years with the Seawolf women's basketball program.

At halftime, we talked with Bernstein about the rest of the men's soccer conference. We compared teams around the conference and how each of the other six squads looked. His final conclusion was great news to us.

"You guys are the best team (in the America East) we have seen this year," he said.

During the broadcast, Bernstein and his analyst both said that Binghamton goalkeeper Robert Moewes was welcome to stay and play for the Stony Brook football team in their game against Elon the following day. They were impressed with his stature and reflexes.

Do The Math

The America East will release its playoff scenarios tomorrow, but here is what we do know at this point:

Binghamton would clinch a first-round bye with a victory over Albany. A win over Albany AND a Stony Brook loss or tie to UMBC would give the Bearcats the regular-season title.

Anything else is too difficult to predict now.

The other game with playoff implications is Vermont against New Hampshire.

Stay tuned.

Posted November 2, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu





OCTOBER 30, 2015
 
Odds and Ends
 
Good morning from Stony Brook.
 
We have a couple of miscellaneous items to go over before tonight's 7 p.m. match against the Seawolves.
 
The Last Time It Happened…
 
As we mentioned yesterday, Pascal Trappe is the third Bearcat men's soccer player to receive COSIDA All-District honors. He joins Chris Terry (2009) and Charles Darkwah (2004).
 
Terry may have not been a full-time starter but he emerged as part of the team's leadership group during his time here. At the 2010 Binghamton Athletic Department Awards Banquet, Terry was one of the senior class speakers.
 
His most memorable media moment came in 2009 when we let FOX 40 follow him around on game day. Our office got a call from their sports director, who was looking to do a human-interest segment on the team. He asked if he could follow someone around on Oct. 7, the day we hosted Albany.
 
Coach Marco and I agreed that Terry would be a good pick and he was more than gracious with his time.
 
We followed the reporter around to New York Pizza for the pre-game meal, Terry's apartment, where he and his teammates played video games while waiting for the match and into the locker room, where he got ready to play.
 
The Bearcats won that match 2-1 in overtime and FOX-40's feature came out great.
 
Trappe has been equally gracious with his time for the media this year. It's only fitting that he also follows Terry on the COSIDA All-District Team.
 
Pit Stop On The Road
 
The family of freshman Conrad Nowowiejski had the team over for dinner last night. They live in Hollis Hills, which is 55 minutes from Stony Brook.
 
After being stuck in traffic for over an hour at the George Washington Bridge, the Bearcats were especially glad to stop for dinner.
 
In talking to several of the players, it was definitely one of the best meals they have had all year. Steak, chicken, ziti and roasted potatoes were some of the highlights.
 
In our view, however, the homemade pierogi was the best. Stuffed with Russian cheese. It was gone pretty quickly.
 
The Nowowiejskis cooked all of the food on their own and were very glad to have the team over. In talking with them during the night, they are especially pleased with how Conrad and the team are doing this year.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here for Time Warner Cable News' preview of the Stony Brook match.
 
Bearcat Invasion?
 
The men's soccer team is not the only Binghamton squad to compete here at Stony Brook this weekend. The cross country teams arrive in town later today for the America East Championships, which will be held tomorrow morning.

The Bearcat men's cross country team is the defending America East champions.
 
Posted October 30, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 29, 2015
 
The Week That Was
 
The men's soccer team met with some members of the local media on Thursday afternoon before leaving for Stony Brook. Here is what Head Coach Paul Marco and the players had to say about their week of preparation as well as the improvement they have shown this year.
 
Head Coach Paul Marco
 
"We have had an excellent week of training. The guys have been very attentive and we have improved in some areas."
 
"I thought we were quite good last year, we were just a little unlucky. We didn't get goals on the chances we created.  This year we are scoring those goals. The guys have come in and done a great job. Our bench has made a great difference."
 
"The self-belief on the team has been great all year. We could sense that during the preseason. I like the position the team is in right now. The spirit is terrific and our effort has been great all season."
 
"This is one of the better years we have had in the (America East) conference. Top to bottom, everyone is very good and each team has its own strengths. The teams have brought a very high level of soccer."
 
Pascal Trappe
 
"We've had a very good week of practice and we are excited to play the last two matches. It's definitely nice to know that we are already in the playoffs."
 
"This year, everyone is playing really well in the conference. UMBC and Hartford are the lower seeds right now, which is surprising because they were the two top seeds last year."
 
Kudos
 
In case you haven't seen the release yet, Trappe was named to the COSIDA Academic All-District Team. He joins former Bearcats Charles Darkwah (2004) and Chris Terry (2009) as part of that select group.
 
Click here for the complete release.
 
On The Road With the Bearcats
 
As we are posting this entry, we are somewhere on Interstate 80 heading towards Stony Brook. We'll have more on the trip tomorrow.
 
Posted on October 29, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 28, 2015

Instant Impact

Head coach Paul Marco stresses that players who come off the bench during a match should be prepared to make a difference. Freshman midfielder Nikkos Psarras did just that against UMBC in last Saturday's 2-1 victory.

A minute after coming into the match, Psarras drew a foul inside of the UMBC box. Pascal Trappe then converted the ensuing penalty kick. Later in the match, Psarras assisted on Harrison Weilbacher's game-winning goal.

In talking to Head Coach Paul Marco, however, Psarras has been doing great things the entire season. He has appeared in 15 matches with a pair of starts.

"Nikkos was great against UMBC but he has been doing that most of the season," he said. "But he was very sharp the other day. Hopefully he can keep building that."

Psarras, meanwhile, had just one thing in mind when he came into the game against the Retrievers.

"I really didn't care what I did, as long as we won," he said. "It was a great win for our team."

When he arrived on campus, Psarras was not only adjusted to the college game. Originally from Greece, he had to adapt to a different country's version of soccer.

"The playing style and speed of the game are different back home," he said. "I am getting better each game and will work hard until I'm 100 percent."

One thing that has been easy for Psarras to adjust to is the team chemistry within the Bearcat men's soccer program.

"We are a very close team," he said. "We getting along great on the field and are together a lot away from it."

Psarras not only presents problems for opposing teams but also for his own squad during training sessions.

"I don't like going against him in training," Marco said. "He's big, strong and there is not a lot that he doesn't do well."

Overall, Psarras had made a great impression with his new teammates.

"The guys love him," Marco said. "He has gotten along great and fits in well with his new teammates."

America East Update

Binghamton was off last night but there were two more wins by conference teams over ranked opponents. Stony Brook downed No. 17 Hofstra 3-0 while New Hampshire defeated No. 24 Dartmouth 2-0.

Binghamton heads to Stony Brook on Friday.

Coming Up Next...

The men's soccer team meets with the local media at 1 p.m. on Thursday before heading off to Stony Brook. We will have quotes tomorrow.

Posted on October 28, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 27, 2015
 
Next Man Up
 
It's no secret that the Binghamton men's soccer team has suffered through a rash of injuries. But along with those misfortunes, other players have stepped right in.
 
One of those players is Adam Blackwell, a freshman defender from nearby Owego High School. When junior back Shervin Mohajeri was injured earlier in the month, Blackwell took over the starting spot. The Bearcats are 2-0-1 since he entered the line up.
 
"Adam has grown a lot since the preseason," head coach Paul Marco said. "He is very consistent and has a lot of ability on the ball."
 
Blackwell, meanwhile, sees himself as part of an overall freshman class that has developed significantly in the past month.
 
"All of the freshman were nervous at first," he said. "But as we've gone on and played in games, we've all progressed."
 
One thing that has amazed Blackwell since he arrived at Binghamton is how the veteran players have treated him.
 
"You think that the older guys would look down on us because we are new, but that hasn't happened," he said.  "Since day one, they have treated us as equals and we get along great both on and off the field."
 
Two of the injured veterans have especially helped Blackwell during the matches.
 
"Shervin and Charlie (Novoth) have been great," he said. "Whenever I come off the field, they are always in my ear, telling me what I can do better."
 
Reading List
 
Click here for the Pipe Dream's Recap of the win over UMBC
 
Conference Update
 
For those of you who have studied all of the scenarios for the final two regular-season games, join the crowd.
 
Binghamton leads Albany by a point, Vermont by two points and New Hampshire by three points.  But watch out for Stony Brook on Friday night and don't expect UMBC to be an easy draw in the playoffs.
 
Click here for the America East release
 
On The Menu
 
We usually stop at the postgame tailgate after home games but found out from Lois Celeste that Saturday's event got moved off campus due to Family Weekend activities.
 
We were unable to make it there on time so a few hours later (on an empty stomach) we stopped at Wegman's.  The Thai Shrimp salad was a bargain for five dollars.
 
Friendly Rivalry
 
Blackwell's old team faces Vestal High School in the first round of the Sectional playoffs on Thursday. Connor McKnight graduated from Vestal last spring. While McKnight and Blackwell get along great, that friendship will be tested for two hours.
 
Blackwell, for one, already has made his pick.
 
"Owego three-nil," he said.
 
Coming Up Next..
 
We'll talk to another freshman who has made a significant difference…Nikkos Psarras.
 
Posted October 27, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 26, 2015

UMBC Recap

A Saturday victory means the Monday update comes two days earlier.

First, here are some quick notes on today's 2-1 win over UMBC

- Pascal Trappe has five goals during his career, including one in each of the last two Senior Day games. His penalty kick goal was even more impressive that it came against UMBC goalkeeper Billy Heavner. Last year, Heavner was the winning goalkeeper in a pair of penalty kick shootouts during UMBC's run to the College Cup semifinals. 

- For most of the non-conference schedule, Logan Roberts was deemed the player most overdue to score a goal. Obviously, he broke that drought against Vermont and New Hampshire. Heading into Saturday, Harrison Weilbacher was the player most due to score his first goal of the season. He wound up with the game winner against the Retrievers. Binghamton is 3-1-1 in America East play and the two players who couldn't score in non-conference play have all three game winners.

- For the third time this season, Binghamton had at least 1,000 fans turn out for one of its home games. Despite the overcast weather and chilly conditions, 1,073 fans came out to the Bearcats Sports Complex. For the season, Binghamton is averaging 991 fans per home contest.
 

Family Weekend

Trappe's parents Detlef and Monika flew over from Germany to be a part of the pre-game Senior Day Ceremony. He made sure it was a memorable day for them all the way around.

"It was so amazing to see everyone there walking me out," he said after the win. "And then to have a chance to score a goal and especially winning the game—that is what was most important."

Trappe and Robert Moewes, who also was in the Senior Day ceremony, were each joined by Heather Miller and Linda Reynolds of the Binghamton Student-Athlete Success Center. Moewes' family was unable to come in from Germany, so he asked Miller and Reynolds to escort him. Even though Trappe's parents were present, he too wanted them to help escort him out.

"Heather and Linda has been very important to me and to everyone on the team," he said. "They are always there for me, have helped me a lot since I came to Binghamton and are amazing people."

Energy Off the Bench

The unsung hero of the win over UMBC was freshman Nikkos Psarras. He drew the foul that set up Trappe's penalty-kick goal and later assisted on Weilbacher's game winner.

Psarras came off the bench in the 58^th minute and drew the foul three minutes later.

"He was the MVP of the match," head coach Paul Marco said. "He came off the bench with a lot of energy and was great bringing the ball down the field."

"He really made a difference today," Roberts said. "Coach Marco always tells us that if you are coming off the bench, you got to make a difference. He definitely did today."

Social Media Update

Click here for the photo gallery of today's win as well as the Senior Day Ceremony on our Facebook site.

Let's Go To The Video Tape

Click here for the highlight's of today's game on our YouTube site.

Who's Next?

With Roberts and Weilbacher now in the scoring column, we asked Trappe who was next in line to get their first goal of the season.

"Nikkos," he said without hesitation.

We'll have more on the win on Tuesday's daily update.

Posted October 24, 2015 at 7:13 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 23, 2015

Family Weekend vs. UMBC

With the Binghamton men's soccer team tied for first place in the America East Conference, head coach Paul Marco met with the local media at training on Thursday and went on Roger Neel's WNBF morning show earlier today. Here were some of his quotes from both sessions.

"Everybody's competitive spirit has been great this week. The guys have had a good few days of training. We like where we are right now but we are still looking to improve in certain areas these next three matches."

"UMBC is a very good team. They are obviously a different team than they were last year but they are still quite good. They have good team speed and are very direct with the ball."

"We are trying to improve as the match goes on. We have struggled in that area this year. We have been terrific in the first half of games and not so great in the second half. So we have to make sure we are a little better in the second half."

Paying Tribute

Coach Marco took time during both interview sessions to answer questions about receiving the NSCAA's Mike Berticelli Excellence in Teaching Award. Marco vividly remembers when he started in the NSCAA and Berticelli reached out to him.

"He was one of the first guys in the NSCAA to really help me along," Marco said. "He was a wonderful mentor and friend to me and to receive an honor in his name is really meaningful."

Women's Soccer Update

Kudos to the Bearcat women's team for its 1-0 win over UMBC on Thursday night. Binghamton is 2-0-1 in its last three matches and is still alive for a berth in the America East Tournament.

Click here for the recap.

The Bearcats' final regular-season game is Sunday at 1 p.m. at home against Vermont.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's preview of the men's soccer match against UMBC.

Click here for the Pipe Dream's article of Coach Marco receiving the Berticelli Award

Click here for WBNF's website article of Coach Marco receiving the Berticelli Award

Let's Go To the Video Tape

Click here for FOX 40's coverage of yesterday's media day.

For Time Warner Cable News' coverage of media day, click here.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 23, 2002

A pair of penalty kicks by then freshman Graham Munro clinched a 3-1 win over Stony Brook at the old West Gym Field on the first senior day of the Paul Marco era.

The 14^th such Senior Day is tomorrow.

Posted October 23, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 22, 2015

Congrats

Running late today but the big news surrounding the Binghamton men's soccer team was head coach Paul Marco being named the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America (NSCAA) recipient of the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Teaching Award.

The award is named in memory of the Notre Dame coach who was serving as NSCAA's Vice President of Education when he passed away in January 2000. It is presented each year to a member of the NSCAA Academy staff in recognition of their positive contributions to the game of soccer and excellence in coaching education.

Click here to read the story.

Beyond that, the team continues to train for Saturday's match at UMBC. The local media stopped by to talk to the team.

We'll have a recap of that tomorrow.

Reading List (Better Late Than Never)

Click here for the Pipe Dream's Recap of the tie at Hartford.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 22, 2003

Binghamton wins 2-0 at Stony Brook. It was the Bearcats' fourth straight game without surrendering a goal.

Posted October 22, 2015 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 21, 2015

Top 5 List: Senior Day Games

This Saturday against UMBC, Binghamton will honor its graduating seniors during its annual pregame ceremony at the Bearcats Sports Complex. With the actual regular-season home finale taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 6, the move to Saturday was made to accommodate the parents who are traveling for the match.

With that in mind, here are the Top 5 Senior Day Game we have witnessed during the men's soccer program's 15-year NCAA Division I era. The rankings are based on both the significance of the graduating class as well as the importance of the result.

October 30, 2011

The Bearcats defeated eventual regular-season champion Boston University 5-1 in a game that had multiple story lines. It was postponed from the previous evening due to a freak snow storm in the Binghamton area. In the morning, several event staff workers, coaches and parents shoveled off the bleachers and the field before the teams could even warm up. Once everything was in order, Ryan Walter, Santigui Tounkara, Jerome Robinson and Adam Santiago were honored in the Senior Day Ceremony.

4. October 26, 2013

Binghamton played then eighth-ranked UMBC to a 0-0 tie. It marked the program's first point gained against a top-10 team during its NCAA Division I history. Before the game, Robbie Hughes and Marts Reid-Warden were honored.

3. October 23, 2002

The first Senior Day under head coach Paul Marco was a 3-1 win over Stony Brook at the old West Gym Field. Graham Munro converted a pair of penalty kicks as the Bearcats ended the home slate with needed momentum for the 2003 title run. Stephen Rybak, Stephen Neuman, George Loebrich and Keith Augeri were honored before the game.

2. October 21, 2006

Binghamton clinched its first-ever America East regular-season title with a 0-0 tie against Vermont in the final Senior Day at the old West Gym Field. Joey Neilson, Bryan Arnault, Kyle Antos, Ibrahim Yusuf and Pete Sgueglia were honored before the game.

1. November 2, 2005
 

Binghamton defeated Boston University 1-0 in overtime on a goal by Pete Sgueglia. The win locked up a first-round conference tournament game for the Bearcats.

With all due respects to the senior classes that followed, the 2005 senior class was special. It was Coach Marco's first true four-year class. Included were Graham Munro, Danilo, Darius Ravangard, Phil Grommet, Luc Vallone, Joe Howe and Ryan Pierce.

They came to Binghamton before the program had tasted success. Four years later, the program had been nationally ranked three straight seasons.

Munro was an All-American who would be inducted into the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame eighth years later. Danilo was an All-Region player. Pierce would play professional indoor soccer for several years after graduation. Grommet is now a local attorney in the area and is extensively involved with the Binghamton Athletic Board. Ravangard, who joined Munro in the backfield, was one of the unsung heroes of that squad. Howe and Vallone worked their way into prominent roles on the team.

This was a senior class that was so focused on winning that they declined to make a warm up CD for the game management staff for their home events. They said all they wanted to focus on was winning and asked the event staff to mark their own CD (Sean Lishansky did a great job with that project).

This senior class was extensively involved within the athletic department and the university. They attracted fans and media members who might have not cared about soccer, but loved the guys playing the game.

A road victory resulted in singing on the bus ride all the way home. A loss meant no one was in a mood to even watch a movie. Little wonder that this senior class dropped only nine games in their last three years.

After the senior ceremony, I snapped a photo of the class. Rather than head back to the bench to prepare for the match against Boston, Danilo came up to me and shook my hand.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us," he said.

No, Danilo. Thank YOU.

Posted on October 21, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.
Feedback can be send to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 20, 2015

The 1980 Binghamton Men's Soccer Team

Binghamton has been competing at the NCAA Division I level since 2001. Along the way, the Bearcats have experienced great success, winning a pair of America East regular-season and tournament titles, advancing to six straight conference championship games and being nationally ranked during several seasons.

But it worth noting that the men's soccer program was also very successful during its Pre-Division I era. Known then as the Colonials, the program won six conference titles and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament nine teams from 1974-94.

Picking out the most successful men's soccer team of that era was a challenge, but the 1980 squad is a deserving place to start. Not only did the Colonials win the SUNYAC title but they advanced all the way to the NCAA quarterfinals.

Last year, the Binghamton Athletic Department started inducting teams into its Hall of Fame. On Nov. 22, the 1980 men's soccer team will be just the second squad from any sport to earn that honor.

We caught up with longtime Binghamton men's soccer coach Tim Schum, who coached that 1980 squad. He has been inducted into the NSCAA Hall of Fame and was a charter inductee of the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.

With nearly three decades worth of men's soccer teams to remember, we asked Schum what stood out about the 1980 squad.

"It was a nicely-balanced team in terms of veteran leadership versus newcomers and, over the season, we developed roles for most of the players on the team," he said. "Perhaps the lasting memory of the team was how, over the course of the season, it created a following within the student body.  Winning nine of our first 10 matches had something to do with that including SUNYAC wins over Cortland and Oneonta that put us in the driver's seat to win our division of the conference itself."

If any match reflected the support of the student body, it was the Bearcats' 4-3 double-overtime win over Clarkson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

"Everything peaked as we hosted Clarkson at home in the first round of the NCAA Tournament," Schum recalled. "We gave up two goals but stormed back to lead 3-2, only to have them tie it with seconds to go. The home crowd went wild when (Mike) Doherty scored in the second overtime to win it. What a game that was!"

Up next for the Colonials was a second-round game at Ithaca. By this time, the student support had swelled to the point where it felt like a home game for Binghamton.

"The Ithaca match was perhaps one of the great moments in BU sports history," Schum said. "For rarely is it that a visiting team had more fans on hand than the home team. The Student Association chartered three buses while a number of students drove to the game. It was estimated that we had upwards of 300 BU supporters there."

Binghamton won that game as well, 1-0 in overtime. As Schum tells it, the crowd support was evident throughout the game and the visiting fans actually stormed the field after the victory.

"Paul Quinlan was superb for us in goal all year but he was at his best at Ithaca," he said. "As he made one great stop after another, our fans began to yell his nickname "Middie" (he had transferred to BU from Navy). We were scoreless into the second overtime but Doherty scored the sudden death winner and our fans stormed the field in celebration."

Although Binghamton lost 2-1 to Babson in the NCAA quarterfinals, the legacy of the 1980 team resonates over three decades later.

"It was obvious to our followers that this was a unique team," Schum said. "It had a spirit about it that was publically contiguous while internally it was a team that represents all the best that intercollegiate sports is all about."

Last year, the 1974 wrestling team was the first program to be inducted into the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame. Schum and the 1980 men's soccer squad are honored to be the second one.

"The selection of the 1974 wrestling team as the initial Hall of Fame team was a great choice," Schum said. "But I know the members of the 1980 men's soccer team have to be thrilled to be selected to represent the many other great men's teams we've had over the years."

Posted on October 20, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 19, 2015

Hartford Wrap Up

Binghamton returned to campus having earned four of a possible six points against New Hampshire and Hartford. With five days to rest and recover before UMBC, here are some final thoughts from the week.

Vintage Effort

Robert Moewes went into the season as a MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List candidate and was the undisputed face of the Binghamton team. He has had a lot of help this season on the offensive end but sooner or later, there was going to be a game that the Bearcats needed him to really be on his "A" game.

That happened Saturday at Hartford and to a good degree, Wednesday at New Hampshire.

Two of his saves against the Hawks came in the final seconds of regulation, one came off a free kick in the first overtime and another one came in the second overtime.

"Robert was fantastic this week," head coach Paul Marco said. "He was quite good against Hartford and played well against New Hampshire. They (New Hampshire) score off a fantastic strike but Robert made some great saves against them in the first half."

Road Warriors

Binghamton has gone 2-0-2 in its last four road games, with a pair of shutouts in the process. It won for the first time at Vermont since 2009 and the first time at New Hampshire since 2003. The Bearcats also broke a two-game losing streak at Hartford.

The Youth Movement Continues

Five of Binghamton's 10 starting field players against Hartford were freshmen. Adam Blackwell and Florian Orth started on defense, Harrison Weilbacher and Conrad Nowowiejski were at midfield and Nikkos Psarras was up front at striker.

America East Conference Update

At the start of the season, head coach Paul Marco was asked about the America East Conference as a whole.

"Everyone this year is very good," he said. "There is no one dominant team."

No kidding.

The conference had a record above .500 in non-conference play and had four wins over ranked opponents during that stretch.

As for conference play, Binghamton is current tied for first place with New Hampshire and Vermont at 2-1-1. It holds the tie breaker over both those squads.

Vermont defeated Stony Brook while Albany lost to UMass Lowell. UMBC, who the Bearcats host on Saturday, tied New Hampshire.

Click here for the America East webpage

Women's Soccer Update

Like the men's team, the Binghamton women's squad also earned four points this past week. It recorded a 2-0 win at Maine on Sunday to keep its postseason hopes alive. 

Click here for the recap.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 19, 2005

Binghamton wins 1-0 at Stony Brook to begin a four-game unbeaten streak to close out the regular season. Unfortunately, the Seawolves avenged that setback in the America East title game four weeks later. That second game was also played at Stony Brook.

Binghamton visits Stony Brook on Oct. 30 this season.

Posted on October 19, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 16, 2015

On To Hartford

With a 2-1-0 conference record, the Binghamton men's soccer team heads up to Hartford for its third America East road game of the year.

We caught up with some of the Bearcats yesterday and asked them what the win over New Hampshire meant and what the mentality of the squad is heading into Hartford.

Junior back Mike Kubik

"Wednesday was a very good win. The whole team fought hard and smart to secure the result. The conference is tight so we are hoping to get another good result on Saturday. The team is up for the challenge and everyone is all hands on deck."

Graduate student forward Pascal Trappe

"It was very important to get the win on the road, especially against New Hampshire because they have been doing so well. After the heartbreaking loss against UMass Lowell, it felt great to celebrate again. Hartford is a good team. We have had many close games against them the past couple of years. We are trying our best to use the momentum to play well and continue to have fun out on the field."

About That Field…

Al Marzook Field at the University of Hartford. A place that the Bearcats are very familiar with.

The past two seasons, it has been the site of Binghamton's final game.

In 2013, the Hawks won a 1-0 overtime game against Binghamton in the America East quarterfinals. Javoni Simms, who leads Hartford with five goals so far this season, banged in the game winner.

Last year in the America East semfinals, the heartbreak was even tougher. The Bearcats lost 2-1 to the Hawks, also in overtime. Zach Galluzzo, who had yet to score a collegiate goal, netted the game-tying goal late in regulation. The Hawks, however, converted a corner kick in the final seconds of the first overtime period to secure the victory.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the win at New Hampshire.

In case you missed it, the Binghamton Athletic Department received a one-million dollar gift from Dr. Bai Lee, a longtime supporter of the university. There was a special ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. Click here for the details.

America East Conference Update

Another full weekend of action in the conference as New Hampshire heads to UMBC and UMass Lowell is at Albany. Both of those games take place on Saturday. The following afternoon, Vermont is at Stony Brook. Click here for the conference schedule and links to all the live stats and live video.

Women's Soccer Update

It's been a tough year for the Bearcats but a 1-1 tie against Stony Brook last night at the Bearcats Sports Complex was encouraging. The Seawolves are one of the teams Binghamton hopes to catch for a berth in the America East Tournament.

Click here for details.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 16, 2009

A historic day as Fox Soccer Channel comes to the Bearcats Sports Complex for Binghamton's game against Boston University. In a rematch of the previous season's title game, Ryan Walter scores the game-winning goal in the second half as the Bearcats win 2-1.

Walter had been hard pressed to score his first collegiate goal. He hit the crossbar twice against Niagara three weeks earlier. Walter had already been an America East All-Rookie selection in 2008 and would earn second-team all-conference honors as a sophomore and junior. The goal against Boston finally opened the floodgates for him as far as scoring went.

Posted October 16, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu


OCTOBER 15, 2015

New Hampshire Recap

Lots to go over from the big road win at New Hampshire last night. It had been 12 years since the Bearcats won in Durham, a fact that Coach Marco did not realize until we brought it up to him last night. We also heard from Hall of Famer Graham Munro, commenting on the win. It was his sophomore year that the Bearcats won that 2003 game 2-0, a fact we mentioned to him as well.

On a Roll

Two weeks ago, we talked to Logan Roberts about the team's offensive improvement this year. He was happy but had yet to find the back of the net himself…something he did mention.

Goals in road wins at Vermont and New Hampshire have certainly cured that drought. Roberts is now tied for the team lead with seven total points.

Roberts' goal last night came roughly 14 minutes after the Wildcats had tied the game. Without question, it's the biggest goal of his career….so far.

Closing It Out

In the Bearcats' previous five games, all seven goals they surrendered came in the last 25 minutes of regulation. So when the Bearcats went up 2-1 in the 70^th minute against New Hampshire, it was time for a gut check.

This time, they held their opponent scoreless the final 20 minutes.

"Our guys were great with the ball at the end of the game," head coach Paul Marco said. "Our back four and Robert (Moewes) were very good tonight."

On a Roll, Part Two

Freshman Harrison Weilbacher posted his second game of the season with two assists. He now leads the Bearcats with four assists so far this year.

Three of his assists have come off of corner kicks, all of which have been finished off by junior back Zach Galluzzo.

About the Conference

A wild night in men's soccer on Wednesday resulted in a four-way tie for first place in the America East Conference. Vermont thumped UMBC 3-0, Albany defeated Hartford 2-1 while UMass Lowell beat Stony Brook 2-0. As a result, the Catmounts and River Hawks join the Bearcats and Wildcats with a 2-1-0 record.

At the start of the season, UMBC and Hartford were the co-favorites to win the title. Their combined record is now 1-3-2.

Click here to go to the America East Men's Soccer website.

Blast From the Past

When we called Coach Marco after the game last night, we were greeted by Matt Narode instead. The Binghamton 2008 graduate was an all-conference midfielder for the Bearcats. In the years since then, he has been an assistant coach at Skidmore and is currently an admissions officer at Albany.

"Matt was up in the Vermont-New Hampshire area on business and was able to come by and watch us tonight," Marco said. "It's great to see him."

We asked Coach Marco (jokingly of course) if Narode could spy on Albany's workouts before Binghamton faced them on Nov. 6.

"I don't think so," he said. "He will probably be too busy."

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 15, 2003

One of the biggest road wins in program history came when Stephen Bruce scored on a breakaway in the final minutes, leading Binghamton to a 1-0 win at Hartford.

How important was that win? Three weeks later, Binghatmon had a first-round bye and hosted the Hawks in a semifinal game.

Posted on October 15, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 14, 2015

A Personal Note

Tonight, the Bearcats are at New Hampshire to face the Wildcats. It will also be the only game this year that I am not covering. There is a reason for that, which indirectly includes the Binghamton program.

My youngest stepson is a senior in high school and is on his varsity soccer team. Tonight is their Senior Night game.

Since I have come to Binghamton, I have helped to coordinate 15 men's soccer Senior Day ceremonies, which involve the graduating seniors and their families. The script is pretty standard. The player is escorted out to midfield with their parents in a pre-game ritual. There are photos taken (usually by yours truly) of each family as well as the entire group.

Tonight, I am not writing or coordinating a Senior Day ceremony. I am in it. I couldn't be more proud of my stepson and along with my wife (his mother), I am preparing for what should be a memorable night.

My stepson has long been following the Binghamton soccer team. Back in 2004, he helped me work a soccer game at the old West Gym Field. It was a 1-1 tie against – of all teams – New Hampshire. He was in the first grade back then and helped me press the buttons on my laptop when a player was substituting into the game.

Four years later, my stepson was in fifth grade and was working with me when Binghamton played its America East quarterfinal game at home against (you guessed it) New Hampshire. Binghamton won 3-1 and advanced to play Albany four days later on the road in the semifinals.

After the win over New Hampshire, I introduced my stepson to Darren McAllister, whose conversation with him was priceless.

"Are you going to play hookie from school and come up to Albany and watch our game," he asked with a smile."

Well, my stepson did go to school while we defeated Albany 1-0 in double overtime. I called my family on the happy bus ride home and when I talked to my stepson, McAllister told me to say hello to him.

As my stepson got older, he went from helping me at some of the games to getting busy with his own schedule. He has been able to make some of the games each year but his own career has taken over.

Last fall, when the men's soccer team defeated Stony Brook in the America East quarterfinals, my stepson's season came to an end when his team lost a high school playoff game on the same night. It was mixed emotions.

My stepson won't be playing soccer in college but following him these last 12 years, while also working with the men's soccer team at Binghamton has been truly memorable.

Next Saturday, I will once again reprise my role in coordinating another Binghamton men's soccer senior ceremony. There will be some families that I have known for 4-5 years involved in the event. As we say goodbye to our graduates, we do the same with their families.

As I have stated before, being a stepparent of a high school soccer player have given me a deeper appreciation of how much family support our Bearcat players get here. And after tonight, it gives me more incentive to make Senior Day next week as memorable for them as it will be for my wife, stepson and I tonight.

The coverage of tonight's game against New Hampshire should be in good hands with the rest of my office in the meantime.

Posted on October 14, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 13, 2015

Welcome Back

Five hours before the Bearcats squared off against UMass Lowell, several men's soccer alums stopped by the pregame kick around to say hello to the current squad. We caught up with some of them to ask them how it felt to be back on campus.

"It's good to be back and see the guys," Matt McCoy said. "The experiences I had with the team both on and off the field is something I will never forget."

"I've thought every day since I left about what it was like to be down here on this field," Jamie Forbes said. "The atmosphere of being around the guys every day and always coming to training to try and get better was something I will always remember."

Without question, the men's soccer alums still keep in contact with many of their past teammates.

"Everyone I came in with are still some of my best friends," Derrick Ladaeirous said. "I stay in touch with a lot of them."

All of the alums who came back have followed the current Bearcats closely and are excited about their progress so far.

"It's been pretty impressive," Forbes said. "I am happy they finally got one against Vermont after all these years. I have been following along and watch whenever I can."

There was the question of fitness on the part of the alums. We asked them who of the group would past the infamous "Beep Test" which is administered each preseason.

"Honestly, I don't think any of us could pass the Beep Test," Forbes said. "We might get up to Level 12 but that's it."

"Zero," McCoy added. "I don't think any of us have been doing too much running."

Welcome Back, Part 2

Our sports information office is working on a Homecoming Weekend video and at the Tailgate on Saturday, we had to pick out an alum to interview. We were fortunate to talk with Raul Martynek, who was a first-time All-American back for the men's soccer team in 1987.

We'll leave his comments for the upcoming video, but it's worth noting that Martynek continues to be one of the most loyal alums within the Binghamton men's soccer program. We have interviewed him before and he has always been very generous with his time as well as thoughtful with his comments.

America East Conference Update
New Hampshire moves to 2-0-0 in conference play and UMBC is 1-0-1. Beyond that, however, the other six teams have already been tagged with a loss. Hartford, who was a conference finalist last year, has yet to win a game.

Click here for the America East Report

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 13, 2010

What's a fernufel?

That's the question that the media had when Scott Zobre described the overtime goal he scored in the Bearcats' 2-1 win over Hartford at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Evidently, a fernufel is a chaotic situation that takes place in front the net that leads to a goal.

Legend has it that Justin Leskow coined the phrase to describe the game winning goal he scored against the Hawks two years earlier.

Posted on October 13, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 12, 2015
 
Homecoming Wrap Up
 
We are a little early with our Monday post, but there is a lot to go over from a jam-packed weekend at Binghamton. Despite the loss, we have quite a few things worth mentioning here.
 
The crowd at the Bearcats Sports Complex, listed at 1,624, was the largest of the season. With two regular-season home games left, Binghamton is averaging 924 fans per game. It remains ahead of the 854 average attendance from last season.
 
The Family Weekend game in two weeks has traditionally been one of the most attended games of the season, so the average attendance could go up even further.
 
Welcome Back
 
On Friday night, 2006 graduate Phil Grommet took part in the athletic department's Alumni Networking Panel. Held each year for the Bearcat seniors across all sports, the panel includes 5-6 alumni student-athletes who give advice on how to transition to the job market after graduating from Binghamton.
 
Grommet is now an attorney in the local area. A decade ago, he was a backup goalkeeper but was one of the most respected players on the team. At the team banquet his senior year, Grommet earned the Bearcat Award, given to the senior men's soccer player who exemplifies everything the program stands for. It should be noted that the 2006 senior class was one of the most prolific in program history.
 
We first got to know Grommet on the flight out to St. Louis University for the 2003 NCAA Tournament second-round game. He was a class act then and remains the same a dozen years later.
 
Inspirational Speech
 
A current player who is gaining the respect Grommet did a decade ago is Isaiah Barrett. The sophomore midfielder, who was named to the America East All-Rookie Team in 2014, is out for the season with an injury.
 
On Saturday afternoon, he was one of several underclassmen who gave the traditional Homecoming speeches to fire up the team.
 
Barrett spoke candidly about how tough it was to miss the season but reaffirmed his commitment to improve every day during training. His support for the team was unwavering as he told them to go out and get it done later that night.
 
The Tradition Continues
 
Back in 2003, with four Scottish players on the roster, Assistant Athletic Director Bette Anne Gaube arranged to have a group of bagpipers perform before that season's America East title game.
 
Ever since then, the Bearcats have had bagpipers lead them on to the field before big games. This includes each Homecoming Game at the Bearcats Sports Complex.
 
This year, there are no Scottish players on the squad. But the bagpipers were once again on hand at the start of the game.
 
On The Menu
 
With the soccer parents having a three-hour pregame tailgate to set up, their post-game menu reflected the extra time.
 
Medium rare steak was the highlight, followed closely by authentic Polish sausage.  The Waldorf chicken salad was also a plus.
 
Honorable mention to the BU Zoo, for distributing 250 green Rice Krispie treats at the tailgate (which we unfortunately did not get to sample). Their spirit during the game, which has been good all season, was exceptional against UMass Lowell.
 
Social Media Update
 
For a photo gallery from the UMass Lowell game, including shots of the crowd and bagpipers, click here to go to our Facebook page.
 
For a photo of the youngest member performing in the bagpipe band last night, click here to go to our Instagram page.
 
Coming Up Next
 
Lots more from the weekend, including interviews with some of the alums that were back for the Men's Soccer Alumni Game.
 
Posted October 11, 2015 at 7"45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 

OCTOBER 9, 2015

In Their Own Words
 
Homecoming Weekend has arrived and we are a day away from the Bearcats' game against UMass Lowell. We have covered all of the angles of the game but today, let's hear from some of the alums as to what playing on Homecoming at the Bearcats Sports Complex meant to them.
 
Tommy Moon, Class of 2014 and current assistant coach
Team Captain in 2014
 
"Homecoming Weekends are days that all Binghamton men's soccer players will remember. It's a special experience to see all of the alumni games going on and the tailgate before the match. It's a cool feeling seeing everyone's pride and spirit for Binghamton University.  Playing in front of over 1,500 fans is something special and its nights like those you will remember long after your time at Binghamton."
 
Trey Jasenski, Class of 2013.
Team Captain in 2012
 
"Playing on homecoming was a great experience. All the fans, tailgating and the atmosphere was something you could never imagine. The game under the lights, cheering and soccer would make the hair on your arm stick up. I always remember the national anthem would give me chills and then at the end would be the celebration in the locker room."
 
Robbie Hughes. Class of 2014.
Team Captain in 2013
 
"It is absolutely electric. Playing in front of a buzzing Binghamton crowd was always a lot of fun! For the young pups, this will be the biggest and most vocal crowd they have ever played in front of. Enjoy the experience lads!"

Jake Keegan. Class of 2013
Currently Playing for FC Galway in Ireland
 
"There is nothing quite like playing on Homecoming at Binghamton. The atmosphere is electric and the games always seem to bring something out of the ordinary. The alums shouting beside the hooligans also brings some comedy (both intentional and unintentional)."
 
Last Minute Advice
 
Based on the results of the past several years, the suggestion from here is to get into the Bearcats Sports Complex on time. Otherwise, you might miss a Bearcat goal.
 
Two years ago, Ben Nicholson scored on a free kick in the opening five minutes and did his iconic backflip to celebrate.
 
In 2010, Ryan Walter scored early in the first half of Binghamton's 1-0 win over Vermont.
 
In both cases, the crowds were still filing into the stadium.
 
About the Tailgate
 
What would Homecoming be like without a report on the food, which is always over the top. We will be on the lookout once again on Saturday,
 
The Bearcat men's parents have always had great selections. It has been the women's team's families, however, that have come up with the two best selections we've tasted.
 
In 2008 and 2009, Robert Iman, whose daughter Erin was on the team, cooked authentic Maryland Crab Soup. With this blogger having grown up in the state of Maryland…yes, I am biased.
 
Last year, Ken Bowers, whose daughter Kristie is a 2007 alum and current assistant coach, had the best chili we've tasted. Ken was nice enough to e-mail us the recipe the following week.
 
Kristie and the women's team will be up in UMass Lowell this weekend for a Sunday match at 4 p.m.
 
Reading List
 
Click here for the Pipe Dream's preview of the Homecoming Game
 
This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 9, 2010
 
Speaking of Ryan Walter's goal against Vermont, it happened five years ago today.
 
Earlier in the week, we listed it as our third most memorable Homecoming Game at the Bearcats Sports Complex.
 
Let's see where it ranks next week.
 
Posted on October 9, 2015 at 9 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghatmon.edu




OCTOBER 8, 2015

Odds and Ends

With two days to go before the Homecoming game, we have a bunch of miscellaneous information to go over.

Two for the Price of One

Robert Moewes won't be the only MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List play on the field Saturday night. UMass Lowell striker Wuilito Fernandes is the other player from the America East Conference who was named at the start of the season.

Fernandes has a history against the Bearcats. Last year, he had a goal and an assist in the River Hawks' 2-1 win over Binghamton.

"Wuilito is a very talented player that we will have to pay close attention to," head coach Paul Marco said. "Last year, he played in four different positions in our match against them."

Motivation

Homecoming Week is the time where the underclassmen are charged with the task of giving motivational speeches to the team to get ready for Saturday's match.

In past years, the results have been memorable.

"One year we had Pascal and Trey (Jasenski) do it," Marco said. "Pascal was yelling in German and Trey was yelling in English to translate for him. Another year, we had players dress up like me and our assistants."

With this year's team being so young, it presents a potential problem.

"We have 16 new guys on our team this year," Marco said. "They may have to break up into groups to do it."

Irish Hospitality

On Roger Neel's morning show today, Marco was asked about Jake Keegan, who is a standout striker with FC Galway in Ireland. The former all-region player at Binghamton has made his mark overseas, both on the field and in the community.

"They love Jake over there," Marco said. "I sent my assistant there to scout some players and he stayed with Jake. The fans treated our assistant like royalty."

Let's Go To The Video Tape

Logan Roberts has been named the Wells Fargo Advisors Binghamton Athlete of the Week. Click here to see the interview with him.

The America East Conference was in town recent as part of its Fall Road Trip. Click here for their interviews with Coach Marco and Mike Kubik, both of whom discussed the Bearcats' solid start to the season.

Social Media Update

As we discussed yesterday, the BU Zoo, Pep Band and Spirit Squads have been busy getting ready for Homecoming Weekend. Click here for some photos on our Facebook site of the Pep Band and Spirit Squads painting the paws outside the Bearcats Sports Complex.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats Men's Soccer History: October 8, 2008

Cameron Keith had a goal and an assist, powering Binghamton to a 3-0 win at Albany in its America East opener. Later in the season on that same field, Keith scored in double overtime during the Bearcats' semifinal win.

Posted October 8, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 7, 2015

Top 5 List: Homecoming Games

With the men's soccer Homecoming Game against UMass Lowell now just three days away, it's time for another Top 5 List. Today, we count down the top 5 Homecoming Games at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

5. October 3, 2009: Binghamton 1, Rhode Island 1

When Maine cut their soccer program before the 2009 season, Binghamton suddenly had an open date for its Homecoming Weekend. Fortunately, Rhode Island had an open date as well and proved to be a worthy opponent.

Before a facility-record crowd of 2,604 fans, as well as a regional television audience, the Bearcats and Rams played to a 1-1 tie.

Jake Keegan tied the game midway through the second half. The last moment from this match, however, came after Kevin Shaw put Rhode Island up 1-0 early in the second half. He went over to the BU Zoo section and took a bow. Definitely the most creative opposing player moment we've seen.

4. October 12, 2013: Binghamton 3, UMass Lowell 0

This match will always be remembered for Ben Nicholson's flip after he buried a free kick in the opening minutes of the game. Later in the second half, Marts Reid-Warden scored a goal and did a dancing tribute to English Premier League star Daniel Sturridge.

Then there was Logan Roberts, who finished that game with a goal and an assist. He would later be named the America East Rookie of the Week.

"People forget about my goal from that game," Roberts told us yesterday. "Ben and Marts definitely had more memorable goal celebrations.

3. October 9, 2010: Binghamton 1, Vermont 0

Ryan Walter's goal early in the first half proved to be enough as Binghamton extended its unbeaten streak to six games.

Up until this past weekend, it was also the most recent time the Bearcats had defeated the Catamounts.

2. October 18, 2008: Binghamton 1, Vermont 0

This game had everything. The University had its first-ever Homecoming Tailgate as well as the first-ever regionally-televised men's soccer game from the Bearcats Sports Complex.

In a rematch of the 2007 America East title game, Binghamton got its revenge against Vermont on a goal from Cameron Keith midway through the second half. With the victory, the Bearcats moved into first place in the conference.

The game also marked the first time the Bearcats Sports Complex was sold out.

1. October 6, 2007: Binghamton 2, Boston Univ. 1

What else did you expect?

In a game that is now legendary in the minds of the Binghamton soccer alums, Cameron Keith's second goal of the game gave the Bearcats a 2-1 overtime win over Boston University.

The night got off to a disastrous start with a steady rainstorm moving the official Bearcats Sports Complex dedication ceremony indoors. By the time the impromptu event was done, the Terriers had scored an early goal to go up 1-0.

Keith, however, saved the night for Binghamton. The postgame celebration in the stands with the fans remains one of the iconic images of Homecoming Weekend.

Come Saturday night, perhaps another Homecoming game will make this list. But it will be very hard pressed to top this one.

Posted October 7, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 6, 2015

Backing the Bearcats

Like the men's soccer team, Erika Merkel was out at the Bearcats Sports Complex getting ready for Homecoming Weekend on Monday afternoon. But whereas the team was training inside the complex, Merkel joined her fellow Binghamton Cheer Team members as part of the "Paint the Paws" project.

On Monday afternoon, Merkel joined over 60 members of the Binghamton spirit squads and Screamin' Green Pep Band in re-painting the Bearcat paws around campus in preparation for Homecoming Weekend. She and her fellow cheer team members took care of the section near the entrance to the Bearcat Sports Complex.

Besides being a captain on the cheer team, Merkel is also Vice President of the BU Zoo, another group that has big things in store for Homecoming Weekend.

We received an e-mail from BU Zoo President Ben Sachs over the weekend detailing all of their activities.

At the Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday, before the men's soccer game against UMass Lowell, the BU Zoo will have a Meet & Greet session with the men's soccer team from 3:45-4:15. They will also be giving out free green Rice Krispie treats to the first 250 students. Finally, there will be a raffle event for a $500 gift card for the Binghamton University Bookstore which will be announced at halftime of the game against UMass Lowell.

"We are really looking forward to it," Merkel said. "A bunch of teams said they are going to stop by our table at the tailgate. We are really pumped for the student section at the game on Saturday. We hope a lot of people come out, we hope our chants are pretty loud and it should be a lot of fun."

The BU Zoo has been able to establish a good rapport with several of the Bearcat squads on campus. Men's soccer has been no exception.

"Coach (Paul) Marco is the best," Merkel said. "He really likes what we are trying to accomplish and he was there from the very beginning. He is totally on board with what we are doing."

Merkel, in particular, will have a pretty busy Saturday. The spirit squads, along with the BU Pep Band, will be performing at the Tailgate. She will then exchange her cheerleading uniform for BU Zoo gear for the game on Saturday.

"We have a lot of BU Zoo board members that are very active in other groups on campus," she said. "We are glad to be able to schedule around other events so that our members can stay involved."

Thoughts on Homecoming

We interviewed junior forward Logan Roberts for our Wells Fargo Athlete of the Week video this afternoon. The interview ended with us getting his thoughts on the upcoming Homecoming Weekend.

"We take every game one at a time and treat every conference game the same," Roberts said. "Still, we are very excited for Homecoming Weekend. There is something special about that game between all of the alums who come back and the large crowd that we get. It's going to be a great day."

Reading List

For the Pipe Dream's recap of the Vermont win, click here.

This Day in Men's Soccer History: October 6, 2007

The first Homecoming game at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Eight years later, it is still one of the most memorable games in the history of the facility.

Before over 1,700 fans, Cameron Keith scores the game-winning goal in overtime at Binghamton knocks off Boston University 2-1.

Click here for a photo from that postgame celebration on our Facebook site.

For More Information on the BU Zoo...

Click here for the BU Zoo's Twitter Site.

Click here for the BU Zoo's Instagram Site

Coming Up Next....

In the spirit of ESPN, we will count down the Top 5 men's soccer Homecoming Games at the Bearcats Sports Complex tomorrow. Cameron Keith's 2007 overtime game winner figures to be on the list. But there will be four others when we count them down tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

Posted October 6, 2015 at 4 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 5, 2015

Vermont Wrap Up

For the Binghamton men's soccer team, there are few things better than Homecoming Week on campus. Unless you count Homecoming Week following a big road victory.

That's exactly what happened up at Vermont.

Here are some of the details as we close the book on the team's conference-opening win.

Finally!

Junior forward Logan Roberts has been a key component of the Bearcat attack all season. Despite leading the team in assists, however, he had yet to find the back of the net himself before this weekend.

Head coach Paul Marco and senior midfielder Tucker Sandercock were both interviewed earlier in the season about Roberts. Both praised him for his role in the offense. Both, however, ended the interview hoping that he would score himself at some point.

Roberts took responsibility during the preseason media day for helping the offense to improve. When we talked to him two weeks ago for a feature we were working on, he said he was pleased with the team's progress. But he too wanted to score one for the team.

Vermont had not been a kind place to Binghamton in the previous two meetings. The Bearcats lost 3-0 in 2011 and 2-0 two years ago. That is why getting on the scoreboard early was so important. The Bearcats had to break through to establish their momentum.

It was only fitting that Roberts was the one to make it happen.

Post Game Reaction

We wanted to fill up this space with quotes from the team about the win on Saturday. We texted four of the players during the bus ride home from Burlington to get their feedback.

They all said just one word with a hashtag in front of it, signifying how glad they were to make up for their heartbreaking loss to the Catamounts last year. We'll keep that word private, just in case there is a rematch later on this year.

Looking Ahead

Right after we were done filing our website story on the Vermont win, we checked out the match between Binghamton's next two opponents, UMass Lowell and New Hampshire.

The Wildcats came into the match unbeaten, at 6-0-2. They broke a 1-1 tie with a pair of goals in the last 11 minutes.

When we texted Coach Marco with the result, he sent the following text:

"Watch it. Technology."

We should have known.

Worth Noting

No player on the Bearcat squad scored more than two goals last season. Pascal Trappe, who scored the second goal against Vermont on Saturday, now has a team-best three goals.

Two of Trappe's goals this year have been game winners. All three have come on the road. He also now has a team-best seven points.

America East Conference Update

Stony Brook joined Binghamton and New Hampshire as conference-opening winners this weekend while UMBC and Hartford played to a tie. Click here for the conference's men's soccer webpage with all the results and team standings.

Coming Up Next

Lots to focus on during Homecoming Week. We will be talking with alums, the BU Zoo and the team as they prepare for Saturday's match against UMass Lowell.

Stay tuned.

Posted on October 5, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




OCTOBER 2, 2015

The Start of Conference Play

Binghamton got through the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 5-4-1 record. The Bearcats went 3-1-0 at home and knocked off then No. 28 Ohio State on the road back on Aug. 30.

One month from now, all of those accomplishments could be for naught. Or they could serve as a launching board for bigger and better things.

It all depends on the next seven games against the America East Conference opponents. For that matter, the 5-4-1 record can be tossed aside.

Last year, the Bearcats limped into conference play 2-8-0. They had been shut out in six straight games. Consecutive 1-0 wins over Hartford and New Hampshire, however, resurrected the Bearcats' season. In the end, Binghamton hosted its first home playoff game in four years and advanced to the semifinals for the first time in six years.

In short, the next seven games are the most important ones of the regular season.

Heading up to Burlington is daunting task to start conference play. On Thursday afternoon at training, head coach Paul Marco and Pascal Trappe were interviewed by Kate Sweeting of Time Warner Cable News. They looked ahead to Saturday and reflected on last year's double-overtime game against the Catamounts.

Head Coach Paul Marco

"I thought last year we were terrific against Vermont. We hit the post a couple of times and created a lot of good scoring chances. So that is a game that could have gone either way. I think our guys are conscious of what happened last year and this year hopefully we will make some adjustments to get the ball BETWEEN the two posts."

"Vermont is a very good team to start conference play against. What a great place to play and I know it their Homecoming and Family Weekend. I know our guys are excited to play there. They have a great new surface and I am sure if the rain holds up it will be a nice dry day."

"I'd like our team to realize this weekend the competitive spirit that is required. We have a lot of young guys who I am sure will be up for the challenge. It will be a challenge for them physically. I hope they continue to improve on the things we have been working on during training."

Pascal Trappe

"Set pieces are a vital area that we need to improve (in). Also, we want to keep the ball on the ground and create more scoring chances."

"Everyone is trying to be more (focused) in front of the goal. We have had a lot of different guys score for us, which is a really good thing. We just need some of the other strikers to score their first goal (of the season)."

Say What?

Sweeting asked Coach Marco about Trappe's strengths as a player. She got quite the quote in response.

"Pascal is terrific on the ball," he said. "He makes the ball sing…and dance."

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here for the video from Sweeting's interview, in which Coach Marco and Trappe reflect on how the team has improved since last year.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the St. Bonaventure game on Wednesday.

America East Conference Update

Click here to go to the America East Men's Soccer webpage. The eight conference teams have a combined record of 39-23-10 entering the weekend.

Posted October 2, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 1, 2015

A Welcome Addition

Halfway through the 2015 season, Binghamton has had several newcomers make a significant impact on the squad. One of them is midfielder Harrison Weilbacher.

A two-time NYSSWA all-state selection from Sachem North High School, he has held a starting spot from day one and has a pair of assists. As he looks back on his first seven weeks on campus, Weilbacher is pleased with his progress.

"It's been good," he said. "I feel like I fit in well with the guys and I am trying to keep my starting spot. I try and learn from the older guys and try to keep improving."

When he arrived on campus, Weilbacher wasn't sure what to expect from his new teammates. The returning veterans, however, made him and his fellow freshmen feel right at home.

 "They were very nice," he said. "I was kind of surprised. There were very personable and easy to talk to and it made preseason a lot easier."

Head coach Paul Marco is not a bit surprised at Weilbacher's progress. He had an idea as to what Weilbacher could accomplish when he arrived on campus. So far, Marco has not been disappointed.

"Harrison has been great," head coach Paul Marco said. "We are seeing what we thought we would from him. He is a terrific attacking player and is great with both feet. I am anxious to see him get his first collegiate goal because of all the stuff he is creating. I hope that comes soon for him."

Like Coach Marco, Weilbacher's new teammates have been just as impressed.

"He's been great," junior Logan Roberts said. "He has been helping us out a lot. He is obviously very good on the ball and he's very good at creating opportunities for the rest of us guys. I really like playing with him."

Besides his development as a player, Weilbacher has been just as solid a person off the field.

"He's a great kid," Roberts said. "He's listened and done what he is told but he has also brought his own creativity to the team and we really appreciate it."

"He's very quiet," Pascal Trappe said. "As good as he is on the field, he is quiet off the field. He is a very good character and an enjoyable person to be around."

Weilbacher has played in all four games at the Bearcats Sports Complex this year. With crowds of over 800 fans a game, the facility has quickly grown on him.

"It's awesome," he said. "I've never played in front of a crowd like this before. It keeps our spirits up."

Of all the home games, however, one of them sticks out the most.

"Assisting on a pair of goals by (Zach Galluzzo) was great," he said. "We were teammates at Sachem North."
 
At 5-7, Weilbacher is not one of the taller players on the team but he has learned to make up for that with speed.

"I've learned to play quicker against bigger opponents," he said. "I've got to play quicker because if I don't, they are going to hit me."

The speed is coming for Weilbacher. So too, could a prominent place within the Bearcat program.

"Harrison is a mature player," Marco said. "He assesses situations before he speaks up. I see him blossoming into a very influential player on this team both on and off the field."

Posted on October 1, 2015 at 4:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

Halfway Point

We are through the months of August and September and begin the second half of the season (October, November and beyond). Although the Bearcats have their final non-conference match of the year tonight at St. Bonaventure, today's date calls for a look back at the season thus far.

Here are the top five story lines from the first part of the year, in no particular order of importance:

1. The win over Ohio State 

If there was one point during the first two months the gave the Bearcats the momentum to go forward, it was the 1-0 victory at No. 28 Ohio State on August 20.
 
Click here for the game-winning goal, scored by Pascal Trappe.
 
Which brings us to the second story line.
 
2. The Resurgence of Pascal Trappe

For the first time since he arrived on campus in 2012, Trappe has been able to play the full season. He is tied for the team lead with two goals and an assist.

His impact on the team, however, goes far beyond the stat sheet.

Click here for the feature article Sydney Harbaugh wrote last week.

3. A Two-Way Threat

Zach Galluzzo has been a mainstay on the Bearcat defense, which shut out three of their first six opponents. He also is tied with Trappe for the team lead in total points (five) and was named the America East Co-Player of the Week on Sept. 21.

Click here for our interview with Galluzzo last week.

4. 2014 vs. 2015

We know this point has been emphasized a lot but the improvement from 2-6-0 to 5-4-0 can't be over stated. So too is the difference in scoring.

5. Home Field Advantage
 

The upcoming Homecoming and Family Weekend games figure to draw the biggest home crowds of the year. But an average attendance of 812 through the first four games is pretty solid.

And it is something the players and coaches have really appreciated.

With all due respects to tonight's game at St. Bonaventure, it's on to Part 2 of the season.

Posted September 30, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 



SEPTEMBER 29, 2015

Academic Excellence

As you have probably read on the website, the Binghamton men's soccer team has received Team Academic honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). It marks the fourth straight year and the 11^th time in 13 seasons that the Bearcats have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA during an academic year.

Click here for the complete article.

We talked to several current players as to why the team has been able to successfully balance athletics and academics.

"Coach Marco puts a lot of emphasis on getting good grades and doing well in the classroom," Mike Kubik said. "It starts with him and this award is an indication of how hard the guys work."

"One thing that stands out is that the boys all strive for greatness," junior Charlie Novoth said. "We know we have to keep a high level both on and off the field."

"We already have a good group of good students coming in each year," Pascal Trappe added. "They all want to do well in school."

Games People Play

As we were interviewing some of the players, the rest of the team was playing a soccer version of keep-away. The team created a circle and two guys were in the middle. The goal was to kick the ball so that neither of the middle guys stole the ball.

"It's a form of keep away we play before practice," Novoth said. "It has its own set of rules and is a lot of fun."

We asked Novoth who the toughest teammate was to keep the ball away from.

"Kristian Piippo is a bulldog in the middle," he said. "He never stops running and has quick feet."

Social Media Update

The day after their game against Syracuse last week, the men's soccer team went to the Magic Paint Brush project. Click here to see a photo from that event on our Instagram page.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats History: September 29, 2007

Cameron Keith records a hat trick as the Bearcats defeat Cornell 3-0 in the first-ever men's soccer game played at the Bearcats Sports Complex. A crowd of 1,862 fans were at the game.

Click here to see a photo from that event on our Facebook page.

Posted on September 29, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Silver Linings

Saturday was a frustrating end to a tough week for Binghamton. Still, there are some bright spots to take away from the match against Princeton.

2015 vs. 2014

To fully appreciate how far the Bearcats have come this year, one need not look back much further than one year ago yesterday.

Binghamton traveled to Princeton with a record of 2-6-0. The Bearcats were mired in a goal-scoring slump that would eventually stretch to six games. The Tigers outshot Binghamton 22-5 and recorded a 2-0 win.

On Saturday night, Binghamton came into the match 5-3-0. They had only been shut out twice this season. Although the final score read 3-1, the shot count was even at 13.

Princeton had the same top scorers as a year ago. Thomas Sanner, who scored twice on Saturday, also netted a goal a year ago.

Simply put, Binghamton is in much better shape than last season at this point.

About That Goal

We have been asked by several people if Bret Celeste's goal against Princeton is the longest we have seen.

From that distance, yes.

But there is one goal from back in 2008 that nearly topped it.

Ryan Tomko scored a goal in the home opener against Bucknell that season. His blast came from about 45 yards in front of the goal. Coach Marco later described it as a "lazar shot".

Coach Marco was asked on Sunday morning if Celeste truly thought he could make the shot from that distance.

"Absolutely," he replied.

Snip Snip

For those of you who read the feature article on Pascal Trappe on our website, you no doubt read about his ability to give haircuts to his teammates.

We asked Trappe before the match on Saturday how many teammates actually trust him to give haircuts.

"Almost all of them," he said.

Kudos to Sydney Harbaugh, who wrote that article, for uncovering that information.

On The Menu

Very good Buffalo chicken strips in a crockpot at the postgame tailgate on Saturday. The chicken Caesar salad was good as well.

We try and stay away from sugar, but the Rice Krispie treats with green and white frosting were too good to turn down.

America East Conference Update

With conference play starting up this weekend, the America East has an overall record of 37-22-9. Click here for the weekly recap.

Posted on September 28, 2015 at 1 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Weekend Preview

Yesterday, Head Coach Paul Marco, junior back Zach Galluzzo and junior forward Logan Roberts were interviewed by Kate Sweeting of Time Warner Cable News. They discussed the Bearcats' solid start and also looked ahead to the match against Princeton.

"The spirit on the team has been terrific this year," Marco said. "Everyone has bought into what we are trying to accomplish. We have a young team but there have been times where if we are not doing something right, one of the younger players says 'hey that is not how we do things.' It's been exciting."

"One thing we have been a lot better on this year is set plays," Galluzzo said. "We have spent a lot of time trying to defend better and score when we have (the free kicks). We have tried to get everyone in and around the net because that has been a problem in the past."

The Bearcats have upcoming non-conference games against Princeton and St. Bonaventure. Then it is off to conference play. A win this weekend would be significant for their momentum.

"Princeton is a lot like Syracuse was on Wednesday," Marco said. "They like to possess the ball and are a very good team."

"We just want to stay focused," Galluzzo said. "We have had some great moments in games this year and we are looking for more of them (against Princeton) and to not let up afterwards."

Up Close And Personal

We like to think we know the men's soccer players pretty well here at the Daily Update.

Well, turns out we know ALMOST all there is to know.

Sydney Harbaugh, who is on the Binghamton softball team, is interning in our Media Relations office and has been doing some writing for us. We asked her to do a feature article on Pascal Trappe in light of his good start to the year.

Trappe's history of injuries, excellent work in the classroom as well as his comeback this year are all pretty well known. But Harbaugh uncovered some interesting facts about him in her piece. Stuff that we had no idea about.

Click here to read the entire piece.

Reading List

For the Pipe Dream's Recap of the Syracuse match and for a look ahead to Princeton, click here.

Let's Go To The Video Tape

Speaking of Harbaugh, she was involved in another project in our office that is worth a look.

All of the Binghamton athletic teams, including the men's soccer squad, got to hear noted speaker Mike Green of College Consultants last week. He discussed alcohol use on campus in a very down-to-earth and entertaining fashion.

Harbaugh spoke to him and a few student athletes after the event.

Click here to view the video. It's definitely worth a look.

Posted September 25, 2015 at 3 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

Emerging Up Front

At Preseason Media Day last month, junior forward Logan Roberts was pretty clear as to what we expected of himself during the 2015 season.

"We didn't get it done up front last season," he told the assembled reporters. "We didn't get the goals when we needed them. Being a forward, I take responsibility for that and it's my job to help the offense this year."

Last season, Binghamton was 2-6-0 thru eight games. This season, the Bearcats are 5-3-0. They were shut out in five of their first eight games. This year, however, they have scored nine times (1.12 goals per game).

Roberts hasn't found the back of the net – yet. But he does lead the team with three assists so far this season.

"Logan has done quite well up front," head coach Paul Marco said. "He has given us a lift on offense and has been setting up others great. I know it's only a matter of time until he scores a goal himself."

"We are getting more opportunities to get by people and get some nice serves into the box," Roberts said. "We talked in the offseason about putting a lot more emphasis on scoring goals. I'm disappointed that I haven't scored myself but I am happy I have been able to get the ball to other people."

One other big key behind the emergence of the offense has been the team chemistry.

"We really enjoy playing together up front," Roberts said. "When you are going forward with the ball, it's important to know where everyone else is going to be."

A New Ride

Earlier on Thursday, a new bus appeared on campus, courtesy of Shafer Bus Tours. The company, which has been chartering Binghamton road trips for years, unveiled a new bus with the Binghamton logos all over the exterior.

"We had a meeting when the bus came, so I only saw photos of it," Marco said. "It looks great and I can't wait until we take it for one of our road trips."

Click here for the video of the bus we placed on our Instagram site today.

Let's Go To The Video Tape

Click here for Time Warner Cable News' recap of the Syracuse game. They did not arrive in time for the Bearcat goal, but filmed a great second-half save by Robert Moewes.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats History: September 24, 2005

Luc Vallone has a goal and an assist in the Bearcats' wild 3-2 come-from-behind win at Vermont. It was the first conference game of the year for Binghamton. Next Saturday, the Bearcats will also open up conference play at Vermont.

Coming Up Next

Tomorrow, we'll preview the match against Princeton. The Tigers have had the week off following their 2-1 win over Boston University last Saturday.

Posted September 24, 2015 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

Leftovers from the Syracuse Trip

Some final notes and info from the Bearcats' trip to Syracuse:

Prime Time Scorer

Say this about Pascal Trappe – he has a knack for scoring on the big stage this year. After scoring the game winner in Binghamton's 1-0 win at No. 28 Ohio State on Aug. 30, he delivered again last night on regional television against Syracuse.

Trappe came into the season grateful to have another year and he is making the most of it.

Another Busy Night In Goal

Syracuse's attack showed why it is receiving votes in both major polls this year. The Orange fired 17 shots on goal last night, forcing Robert Moewes to make seven saves. This comes a year after Moewes made a career-high 11 saves against Syracuse.

A Familiar Face in the Booth

Nice to see Richard Shaw as the color commentator for the Time Warner Cable Sports broadcast of the game last night. We first met Shaw when we was in town to do the Binghamton-Vermont Homecoming Game in 2008.

Although it was a Syracuse-based broadcast, Shaw still had a lot of good knowledge from covering the Bearcats in the past. He mentioned about Binghamton going to six straight America East title games from 2003-08.

Capturing the Moment

About an hour after the game, we received two photos of Trappe's goal from Michael Okoniewski, a freelance photographer. Our athletic department has hired him before to shoot other Bearcat teams at Syracuse.

You have probably seen one of the photos on the front page of our website. Click here for the photos on our Facebook site.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here to go to WIVT's recap of the game at Syracuse, which includes the Time Warner Cable Sports Feed. Good shot of Trappe's goal.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats' History: September 23, 2009

Binghamton wins 2-0 at Cornell on goals by Andy Tiedt and Kyle Kucharski. It was the Bearcats' last win over Cornell until their victory last week.

Posted September 23, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 22, 2015

#WeWillFindAWay

On Monday afternoon, we interviewed junior back Zach Galluzzo in honor of him being named the Binghamton University Athlete of the Week. We touched on a variety of topics related to the Bearcats' 5-2-0 start.

One of questions we asked Galluzzo is how the team has managed to grind out the close games. All five of their wins have been by a single goal.
"It's like the back of our shirts say," he replied. "We find a way to get the wins. We want to win this year."

Each preseason, the team has worn shirts with a slogan on the back which serves as a theme for their year. One year it was "Good To Great." Another year it was "212" which is the temperature at which water boils.

This year, the back of the shirts read "We will find a way." On the team's social media sites this season, the hashtag reads #wewillfindaway.

Saturday's win reflected the team's mantra. Siena has tied the score at 1-1 and was the aggressor for most of the second half. When Binghamton got a corner kick in the final 20 minutes of the game, Galluzzo capitalized on the opportunity by scoring the game-winning goal.

A Tough Loss

On Saturday before the game against Siena, the Binghamton Athletic Department held a moment of silence in honor of Steve Gowe. He was the Assistant Director of Campus Facilities for over a decade, but passed away last Wednesday at the age of 48 after a long battle with cancer.

Gowe was always a strong supporter of Bearcat Athletics. His expertise and dedication made it possible for countless Binghamton student-athletes to train and compete on the fields and surrounding stadiums.

Head coach Paul Marco knew Gowe for years and on Monday afternoon, took time to share his memories.

"He was always great," he said. "I talked with him at least once a week. He did a great job on our fields, especially the old one (West Gym Field). We really appreciated him."

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the win over Siena

Let's Go To The Video Tape

Click here for WBNG's coverage of the win over Siena

Conference Update

The America East continues to have a strong non-conference campaign. The combined record of the eight teams is 27-22-7 for a winning percentage of .527.

Seven of those wins have come against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament a year ago, including Binghamton's 1-0 win over Ohio State on August 28.

Click here for the America East's Weekly Release

Social Media Update

As you all know by now, tonight's game against Syracuse is on ESPN. Click here for the graphic we have created on our instagram page to promote the game.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 22, 2012

Binghamton wins 3-0 at Adelphi. Junior back Robbie Hughes scored twice in the win while senior forward Jake Keegan netted the other goal.

Posted September 22, 2015 at 10:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 21, 2015
 
Siena Recap
 
Yes, we know that the Men's Soccer Daily Update is a Monday-Friday blog. But a home win on a Saturday night warrants this entry two days early.
 
Line of the Night
 
Zach Galluzzo recorded the first multiple-goal game of his career in the 2-1 win over Siena. At the postgame interview session following the victory, we asked him if he has ever had two goals in a game in high school…or even youth soccer.
 
"No," was his simple reply.
 
There were no further questions after that one.
 
Putting It In Perspective
 
Galluzzo's performance against Siena marks the 20^th time during the program's Division I era that a Binghamton player has scored two goals in a game. Jake Keegan was the most recent one to do it, against UNC-Wilmington on Sept. 16, 2012.
 
The last time that happened at the Bearcats Sports Complex? Keegan, against Hofstra on Sept. 7, 2012.
 
About That Flip
 
Galluzzo's second goal, which was the eventual game winner, was followed by his celebratory back flip. He was asked about that after the win.
 
"Two years ago at Homecoming, Ben Nicholson scored a goal and did a flip afterwards," he said. "The next week, there were photos of it all over the place. I was hoping maybe that would happen for me."
 
We asked several teammates how Galluzzo's back flip compared to Nicholson's famous flip two years ago.
 
"Ben Nicholson's was better, 100 percent," junior forward Logan Roberts said.
 
"Ben was a gymnast but Zach was tired since the game was almost over," senior back Bret Celeste said. "You can't be in top form all the time."
 
Home Field Advantage
 
Binghamton got its largest crowd of the year on Saturday night as 1,065 fans packed the Bearcats Sports Complex. Between several club teams from the community and the Code Green student-athlete initiative, the players appreciated the support they got.
 
In three home games this season, Binghamton has averaged 808 fans per game.
 
"It's great to see all the all the fans out here," Celeste said. "When the stadium is full, there is nothing better than that."
 
"It means a lot," Roberts said. "We want to make this a place for fans to want to come out and tonight was great."
 
On the Menu
 
Another good showing at the postgame tailgate.
 
Wegman's subs were a highlight but the homemade goulash with pasta, tomato sauce, ground beef and mushrooms was the topper.
 
Extra points for the Caesar salad and the assortment of cookies.
 
Perfect Timing
 
As we are finishing up this entry, a heavy rainstorm has arrived on campus. Good thing it did not arrive three hours earlier.
 
Posted September 19, 2015 at 11:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu


SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

The Back Four

Two of them are holdovers from last year's team. One is a junior transfer from Texas-Brownsville. The fourth one is a freshman from Germany.

We are talking about the starting Bearcat backline of juniors Mike Kubik, Zach Galluzzo, Shervin Moherjeri as well as freshman Kevin Flesch. While junior goalkeeper Robert Moewes grabbed the preseason headlines by being named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List, the aforementioned quartet of defenders had made just as big of an impact during the early part of the season.

Back on August 26, Binghamton dropped a 2-0 decision to Wright State. Head coach Paul Marco's postgame comments to us were very clear.

"We've to protect Robert better than we did tonight," he said.

In the ensuing five games, the Bearcats have shut out three of their opponents. They have surrendered less than 10 shots on goal three times. Not surprisingly, Binghamton has gone 4-1-0 during that stretch.

"We have been meshing pretty well," Galluzzo said. "Mike, Shervin and I all live together this year so we have gotten to know each other and the chemistry has been great."

"We have been playing well," Kubik said. "I think the biggest thing is our communication with each other. There are some little things we still need to work on but we are getting after it in training."

Galluzzo and Kubik are the two returning veterans on the starting defense. Although they have only known and played with Flesch and Mojajeri for a month, the transition has been seamless.  

Shervin and Kevin are great guys," Kubik said. "Their energy level on and off the field is outstanding. They are both strong defenders and good people as well."

"They have been pretty good," Galluzzo said. "Kevin came in as a freshman and he has been one of the biggest leaders on the team. Same with Shervin. They both came in with pretty good attitudes and were ready to win."

One of the biggest problem areas on the team last year was defending set plays. Of the 20 goals scored against Binghamton in 2014, 14 of them were off a free kick, corner kick or on a penalty kick.

The Bearcats resolved to clean that up this year. Other than the two goals allowed in the 3-2 win over St. Peter's, they are on their way to doing such.

 "Defending set piece was one of our biggest weaknesses last year," Kubik said. "It is something we definitely want to eliminate this year and it is looking good so far."

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats History: September 18, 2011

Ryan Walter scored in the closing minutes to give the Bearcats a 1-0 win over Rider in the final round of the Binghamton Invitational.

Posted on September 18, 2015 at 11 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

Campus Visitors

We were going to focus today on the Bearcat defense but we were pleasantly interrupted by some unexpected guests.

The America East video staff is in the midst of a road trip to all nine of its member institutions. On Thursday, it was on the Binghamton campus to talk to several coaches and student-athletes. With the men's soccer team off to a solid start, the request was made to talk to Head Coach Paul Marco and some of the players.

Jared Hager and Erin Iwaskiewicz of the America East touched on a variety of topics, beginning first with the state of the team.

"This is the youngest team we have ever had here," he said. "When we came back in August, we focused on togetherness and the guys brought into it right away."

Marco was asked about the defense, which has shut out three of its last five opponents.

"We got some new faces on defense and they have fit in very well," Marco said. "I think a challenge for any defense is communication and our guys have done a very good job with that."

A Sad Day For College Soccer

When Coach Marco took over the head job at West Virginia in 1996, one of his first games was against UConn and legendary coach Joe Morrone. In 28 seasons at UConn, Morrone ran up a record of 358-178-53, made three national semifinal appearances and won the 1981 NCAA title. While the 1996 season was Marco's first as a head coach, Morrone would retire at the end of the campaign.

Last night, Morrone died at the age of 79, leaving the soccer community to remember a giant in the profession.

"We have lost a friend of soccer and a friend of ours," Marco said. "He was a true legend and a great voice of college soccer. He helped bring our game so far forward. He was a class act and we've lost a great one."

For more on Morroni, click here for an article from today's Hartford Courant. 

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's Recap of the Marist and Cornell Games.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here for WBNG's highlights of the win at Cornell.

A Personal Note

This fall, soccer season doesn't just extend to the Binghamton Bearcats for yours truly. My stepson is currently a senior on the Vestal High School Soccer team. On several nights when the Bearcats are not playing, Vestal is.

Last night, Vestal was at Maine-Edwell High School, which of course is the home of Bearcat alums Tommy Moon, Kyle Kucharski and Josh Sailar.

I texted Moon during the game last night, letting him know where I was.

His text reply?

"Go M-E!"

Sorry Tommy, Vestal won 4-0.

Posted on September 17, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghatmon.edu



SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Cornell Recap

Last Saturday, the Bearcats went on the road to face a team hungry for a win. The result was a 1-0 loss to Marist.

Last night, however, Binghamton got a second chance. It faced a Cornell squad that had played some of the best teams in the nation tough. Still, the Big Red had yet to win and last night was their home opener.

This time, of course, the result was different. In talking to the players after the game, they remembered what happened at Marist and used it as motivation.

Zach Galluzzo

"I thought we came out really strong after the tough loss at Marist. We stayed on top of the game and really kept control. Hopefully, we can keep rolling and not let up again."

Mike Kubik

"The team fought hard and had good concentration on attacking and defending set pieces. We had a great cross and an even better finish on the goal and saw the rest of the game through. We bounced back from our last game but need to have a couple of good training days before Saturday."

Pascal Trappe

"Tonight was a good team performance. Everyone brought a lot of energy and was giving their best to win. We created good scoring opportunities for ourselves. We bounced back and can build on today's game."

Worth Noting

Two of the biggest stats from the Bearcats' start so far pertain to its defense and record in road games. Through six games, Binghamton has already shut out three opponents and has gone 2-1-0 on the road.

Better Than Their Record

Cornell was coming off an epic performance against nationally-ranked Oregon State on Sunday at the Duquesne Invitational. The Big Red may have lost 2-0, but took the Beavers into the 80^th minute before they scored a goal. Furthermore, Cornell held Oregon State to just one shot in the first 45 minutes.

When we talked to Head Coach Paul Marco last night following the win, we asked if Cornell was truly an 0-5 team."

"No chance," he said emphatically.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here for Time Warner Cable News' recap of the win at Cornell as well as its post-game interview with Coach Marco.

Coming Up Next

The Bearcat defense of Galluzzo, Kubik, junior Shervin Mohajeri and freshman Kevin Flesch along with goalkeeper Robert Moewes have developed into an impressive unit. In the past five games, they have surrendered just three goals.

We will talk more about that tomorrow.

Posted on September 16, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 





SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

Top 5 List: Penalty Kick Saves

As we await the men's soccer team's game at Cornell tonight, it's time for another countdown list. In honor of Robert Moewes' save on a penalty kick the other night at Marist, here are the top 5 penalty kick saves that we have seen during the Bearcats' NCAA Division I era.

5. September 20, 2014

Stefano Frantellizzi stopped a Lafayette penalty kick in the 46^th minute of a scoreless tie at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Ironically, the Leopards repaid the favor by stopping a Bearcat penalty kick in the 70^th minute. Binghamton lost the game 1-0.

4. September 12, 2015

Sure, Robert Moewes stopped three penalty kicks in the America East quarterfinal win over Stony Brook last November. But stopping the other team's top shooter during the game makes this his best single save. It kept Binghamton in the game with Marist.

3. September 23, 2009

The last time Binghamton won at Cornell featured Jason Stenta making a penalty kick save in the first half. The Bearcats were already up 1-0 and went on to win 2-0. It was a bizarre night for weather as a thunderstorm pushed the game back nearly an hour.

2. November 6, 2004

Stefan Gonet not only came through with his hands, but also with his foot. Binghamton and New Hampshire were playing their America East quarterfinal game at the West Gym Field. After a 0-0 tie, they were tied at 2-2 in the decisive penalty kick shootout. Gonet buried his attempt in the top of the fifth round and made the save in the bottom of the frame.

1. October 7, 2009

The only thing bigger than making a penalty kick save during a game is making one during overtime. That's what Jason Stenta did against Albany with the score tied at 1-1. Less than two minutes later, Adam Whitehead buried the game-winning goal.

Posted September 15, 2014 at 9 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

First Impressions

Much has been said about the newcomers on this year's men's soccer team – both in terms of quantity and quality. Coach Marco and the veterans have spoken very highly of the group.

This past week, we talked to several of the new players to get their perspective on their first month with the Binghamton men's soccer program. The one theme that consistently came out is how welcoming the veterans have been.

"They have been very welcoming," junior back Shervin Mohajeri said. "It's become pretty much like home to me. Everyone has made me feel comfortable. I have settled in well and it has been great."

"They are welcoming us with open arms and I have learned a lot from the older guys," freshman midfielder Kristian Piippo said. "The freshmen are doing everything they can to step up."

"They tell us what we need to do to be on the right track," freshman forward Karamo Diaby said. "They have really welcomed us."

So far this season, three of the five Binghamton goals have been scored by freshmen. In addition, eight different newcomers, including Mohajeri, Diaby and Piippo have each started a game.

Clutch Save

It was a tough loss for the Bearcats on Saturday night, but Robert Moewes' save on a penalty kick was a definite bright spot.

Including the penalty kick shootout against Stony Brook last November in the America East quarterfinals, Moewes has now stopped four of the past eight penalty kicks he has faced.

Around the America East

The conference as a whole continues to have an impressive non-conference season, with a combined record of 20-17-6.

This includes three wins over nationally-ranked opponents.

Click here to go to the America East website.

Follow Up 

We traded messages with Keith Augeri, the 2003 alum who played in the game against Stony Brook the day after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

As we noted on Friday, he now is a high school social studies teacher in Long Island who makes a point each year to tell his students what it was like playing in that 2001 game.

He said that while the students are always attentive when he tells his story, this year, most of his students were two years old in 2001.

Hard to believe it has already been 14 years.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats History: September 14, 2005

Binghamton won 1-0 at Hartwick to stretch their winning streak to five games. The unbeaten Bearcats raised their record to 5-0-1.

Posted September 14, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Looking Back

We had planned to talk about the newcomers and what their first impressions were of being a part of the men's soccer team. We will get to that next week…but after realizing today's date, we have something else worth covering.

Fourteen years ago today, the Binghamton men's soccer team was scheduled to play Stony Brook at the old West Gym Field. This was until the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The game obviously was postponed, even though Stony Brook was already in town and staying at the Holiday Inn across the street from campus.

Both teams were on the phones that afternoon, making sure their families located in New York City were safe. The following day, Stony Brook was still unable to get home because all roads through New York City were closed. With nowhere to go, the decision was made to play the game the following day.

Keith Augeri, who was a member of that 2001 team, is now a social studies teacher in Long Island. Many of his students were not old enough to remember the events that took place 14 years ago today. He has made a point each year to tell his students what it was like to be one of the only college teams in the nation competing one day after September 11, 2001. The students, from what he tells us, were very attentive as he tells about his experiences of playing that day.

It was a very quiet afternoon and the first time we played the national anthem, it was a sobering moment. Both teams, however, were more than glad to play. It gave them a chance to dedicate the game to those who lost their lives the previous day. It gave them a chance to have a healing moment on the sanctuary that was the soccer field.

Stony Brook won the game 1-0 that day but as was its staple all season, Binghamton fought hard. Back then, the Bearctas were still a team transitioning to its first season at the NCAA Division I level. Their final record was 2-17-0 but nine of those defeats were by one goal, including four games that went into overtime.

Augeri was one of four seniors who would be a part of current head coach Paul Marco's first team the following year, along with Stephen Rybak, George Loebrich and Stephen Neuman. Two years later, Pat Skinner, James Clancy and Ian Wendel were seniors on the team that won the America East title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Clearly, that 2001 squad had some of the character that would lead to much brighter days ahead for the men's soccer program.

Years later, Augeri told us about an equally vivid memory from that 2001 season. Three weeks after September 11, the Bearcats traveled out to Long Island to face Adelphi. By now, the roads around New York City were clear. That gave the Bearcats a chance to see Ground Zero from the bus as it drove by the site. The entire team was speechless.

The 2001 team will always hold a special place in our memories. It showed heart in competing in their first year as a Division I program. And it especially showed heart in playing the day after September 11.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the win over St. Peter's.

Let's Go To The Video Tape

Click here for WBNG Action News' recap of the St. Peter's match.

Posted September 11, 2015 at 9 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

St. Peter's Recap

Whew!

After a big first half, the men's soccer team had to withstand a St. Peter's rally in the second half to pull off their third straight win. Lots to talk about in this one.

But first, if you have yet to do so, click here for the periscope press conference coverage, which will be available until Thursday at 9 p.m.

Protecting Home Turf

Binghamton has struggled at home in recent years. Starting with its 1-0 win over Hartford last Oct. 4, however, the Bearcats have now gone 5-2-1 in their last eight home matches. The one tie was Binghamton's eventual shootout win over Stony Brook in the America East quarterfinals.

We asked several veterans what the difference has been.

"We've had more pride in playing at home," Logan Roberts said. "These past two games, we have put a great deal of importance of playing at home. The past couple of years, we have had people come in and take games from us that we should have had and this year, we've been more determined not to let that happen."

"We've been tired of losing at home," senior back Tucker Sandercock said. "We want to win a lot of games and have the fans come out to support us."

"We've had some problems with that in the past and we made a goal to fix it this year," junior back Zach Galluzzo said. "So far, we've been able to do that."

Great Teamwork

Roberts and Sandercock have teamed up on two of the past four Binghamton goals. After getting the assists on Kristian Piippo's goal against Manhattan on Monday, Roberts assisted on Sandercock's game-opening goal against St. Peter's.

"We've been playing together for four years, so we know each other pretty well," Roberts said. "We are finally on the field at the same time and we are able to show that we have very good chemistry together. We have a good understanding of where to find each other out on the field."

"I haven't been training (at the) wide (position) that much this year but when I have, Logan and I know what each other is going to do and the chemistry between us has been terrific."

Sandercock has now scored two goals and added an assist in the past three home games, dating back to the quarterfinal win over Stony Brook last November.

"Tucker doesn't have any weaknesses," Roberts said. "He has great feet and can play anywhere out on the field. I love having him out there."

Sandercock is equally as complimentary of Roberts.

"He is a really fast player who has a great touch on the ball," he said. "He is a great player."

First Impressions

The newcomers who have been out on the field the past two games continue to be impressed by their first taste of playing at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Freshman Kristian Piippo, for one, has made the most of his first two home games. He has a goal and an assist.

"It's been a fantastic experience," he said. "A lot of fans have come out, especially on Monday, to support us and it is a great feeling."

Junior back Shervin Mohajeri transferred to campus as a junior and has started both games.

"I'm enjoying it very much," he said. "The first game we had a great turnout and I love being out on the field. The crowd helps me a lot."

On the Menu

Weeknight games are tough for the Binghamton soccer parents to make home-cooked dishes for the postgame tailgate. This group, however, delivered again on Wednesday night.

The macaroni antipasto dish was back for the second home game in a row. Extra points for whoever brought the perogies. The salad, with perfectly ripened tomatoes was great as well.

Coming Up Next

We have been talking with the newcomers about their experience during the first month on the team.

Check back tomorrow for their thoughts.

Posted September 10, 2015 at 12:00 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Backing the Bearcats

An hour before the men's soccer team kicked off against Manhattan on Monday, about 20 members of the BU Zoo were tailgating outside the Bearcats Sports Complex. They brought a BBQ grill and were throwing around a frisbee. Despite temperatures in the high 80s, the group was in high spirits.

"We are really pumped up for the first home game on the season," BU Zoo leader Ben Sachs said. "After their big victory over Ohio State last week, everyone is pretty excited and we want to come out and support them."

The BU Zoo started off supporting the Binghamton basketball teams but have since branched out to supporting other teams on campus."

"Coach Marco took me out for breakfast two years ago and got me involved more with soccer," Sachs said. "We have also been able to reach out to a lot of the other teams on campus and they have been very receptive to us."

When asked how his group was able to withstand the pregame heat on Monday, Sachs did not mince words.

"A lot of ice tea and a lot of water," he said.

During the match, the BU Zoo continued some of the cheers that were started nearly a decade ago by the Bearcat Soccer Hooligans. They also added some cheers of their own.

The most creative cheer that did came with under a minute to go in regulation. With the Bearcats looking to ice the game, the BU Zoo not only chanted "Start the Bus" but also pulled out their keys and started shaking them.

Reading List

While we await the opening kickoff tonight, click here to read the Pipe Dream's recap of Monday's win over Manhattan.

Another good week overall for the America East Conference, whose men's soccer teams now have an overall record of 14-8-5. Click here for the weekly update and conference standings.

Video Clips

Kudos to all four of our local sports reporters for hanging around the game on Monday night until the Bearcats finally scored against Manhattan. Given all of the events they have to each night, they always kid us about needing a goal early in the game so they can get to their next assignment.

Most of them left right after Kristian Piippo's goal, but we appreciate the hour-plus they spent at the game on Monday.

Click the links below for each of their highlight reels, many of which include the BU Zoo cheering:

WBNG Action News
Newschannel 34
WICZ Fox 40
Time Warner Cable News

Posted on September 9, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Manhattan Recap

First off, if you have yet to see the post-game interviews on Periscope, you can click here until 9 p.m. on Tuesday night.

One Year Later….

When we talked with Coach Marco during the preseason, there was one game from last year that he remembered as a big missed opportunity. It was the 1-0 loss to Marist in the Bearcats home opener. It came just three days after a big season-opening win at Bucknell.

The game took place on Labor Day Monday and with the student-athlete Welcome Back BBQ being held earlier that day, the Bearcats had the crowd and the momentum in place. All they needed was the result. That did not happen.

"We had a chance to really win over the crowd that day and go on a roll," Marco recalled. "It was one of the toughest games of the year because we lost it at home after a big road win."

Talk about Déjà vu.

The Bearcats opened up their 2015 home slate on Monday night against Manhattan. Once again, they were coming off a big road win (1-0 over No. 28 Ohio State last Sunday). Once again they had an impressive Labor Day Monday crowd on hand.

This time, however, things were different.

Taking care of business at home was something that was not lost on the players.

"One of our goals this week was to not be complacent after the win at Ohio State," junior forward Logan Roberts said. "A lot people heard about the win. A lot of people were excited. But we did not want that win to get to our heads."

"The news about the win over Ohio State got around pretty quick," junior back Zach Galluzzo said. "We wanted the crowd to know that we want to make a statement this year and not just have that one good win."

"It was very important to get the win tonight," junior goalkeeper Robert Moewes said. "We wanted to show that the Ohio State win wasn't just luck."

About the Crowd

Monday night was youth league night and quite a few kids came out to the game. Add in many of the other student athletes and the BU Zoo and you had 938 strong that made their presence felt.

"The crowd was great," Roberts said. "I thought we would get a good crowd tonight but I was still surprised that as many people came out that did."

"They were awesome," Moewes said. "They were loud and it was great to play in front of such a big crowd."

Karamo Diaby, who subbed into the game, was one of several newcomers playing for the first time at the Bearcats Sports Complex. He came away from the evening suitably impressed.

"It's really encouraging to see your classmates and friends cheering for you," he said. "I felt great playing out here tonight."

Home Sweet Home

In the last two games at the Bearcats Sports Complex, senior midfielder Tucker Sandercock has a goal and an assist. He had the primary assist on Kristian Piippo's game-winning goal on Monday night.

Against Stony Brook in the America East quarterfinals last November, Sandercock forced overtime with a second-half goal. The Bearcats eventually won the decisive shootout against the Seawolves.

Social Media Update

Click here for a good crowd photo from tonight's game on the Binghamton Bearcats' Instagram account.

On the Menu

The parents of the men's soccer team also made a good opening statement at the post-game tailgate dinner.

Among the best dishes were the macaroni antipasto salad and a chilled Oriental vegetable salad. We tried to stay away from the pizza and wings but couldn't turn down one of the double chocolate chip cookies.

It gave us plenty of energy to keep working well past the end of the game.

Coming Up Next...

While the soccer parents put on a great post-game tailgate, the BU Zoo had a pregame tailgate right outside the Bearcats Sports Complex. Complete with a grill and frisbees, they were right at home an hour before kickoff.

We caught up with them before the game and talked with them about their thoughts about the upcoming season. More on that tomorrow.

Posted September 8, 2015 at 12:00 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu

SEPTEMBER 7, 2015

Match Day Interview

Head coach Paul Marco went on Roger Neel's WNBF Morning Show to preview tonight's match. Click here for the complete interview.

Alumni Updates

As we await the Bearcats' home opener against Manhattan tonight, here are some alumni updates:

We ran into Carl and Dixie Kucharski at the Wegmman's grocery store near campus last night. Their son Kyle was a four-year starter, who graduated in 2010. He moved to Tennessee after graduation to take a teaching job. From what Dixie and Carl told us, he is now the principal of a middle school out there.

Given Kucharski's playing career here at Binghamton, we are not a bit surprised about his rapid professional advancement. He joined the Bearcats in 2006 and by the end of his freshman season, he was in the starting lineup. For the next three years he held onto a starting spot and was named second-team all-conference as a senior.

"Kyle is one of those guys you can always count on," head coach Paul Marco once told us. "If you ask him to do something, consider it done."

Kyle's younger sister Taylor, who is a 2012 women's soccer alum, is currently living in Buffalo where she is working and also doing quite well.

Flashback

One of Kucharski's signature games occurred during the 2009 home opener. He assisted on all three goals in the Bearcats' 3-2 win over Syracuse.

In that game, Binghamton had to rally from deficits of 1-0 and 2-1 to pull off the win.

It remains the last time a Bearcat player has tallied three assists in a game.

Congrats

Another men's soccer alum had a memorable weekend on a personal level. Chris Hayen, who was the Bearcats' starting goalkeeper in 2010 and 2011, got married to 2011 volleyball alum Jen Fiorentino.

Photos from that event are starting to appear on Facebook.

A Personal Note

Dixie Kucharski is one of many parents to have held the role of "Team Mom" over the years. She helped organize the post-game tailgate dinners and other events coordinated by the parents. The past few years, Lois Celeste had done a terrific job in that role.

I have always appreciated the role those parents have played. This year, however, I do to a greater extent.

My stepson is currently on the Vestal High School soccer team and is in the starting lineup. My wife and I make the trips to most of the games and help out their Team Mom when we can. Having a stepson on a team has given me a greater appreciation for what some of the parents have done behind the scenes.

The reason I was even at Wegman's in the first place last night was to pick up food for the Vestal Soccer Team's Labor Day Picnic, which will be held later today. The Team Mom has done a great job coordinating that event, as well as many others.

I would go to that picnic at 5 p.m., but I have a Bearcats' game to be at.

Posted on September 7, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Home Sweet Home

It's our tradition each year to count down the top 10 men's soccer games played at the Bearcats Sports Complex since the facility opened in 2007. This year is no exception.

Before we do, a reminder on our home game coverage. We will have free live video and live stats. Both links can be accessed on the main bubearcats.com website page. Go down do our schedule of all of the events, find the men's soccer home game and click on the appropriate links.

We will also post the links within the preview article the day of the game.

Now on to the Top 10 games:

10. October 30, 2011
Binghamton 5, Boston Univ. 1

2011 was a rough year, with Binghamton missing the playoffs. In its regular-season finale, however, the Bearcats thumped regular-season champion Boston. Jake Keegan had two goals and an assist while Adam Whitehead added a goal and two assists.

9. October 12, 2013
Homecoming Game
Binghamton 3, UMass Lowell 0

This one will be remembered for Ben Nicholson's goal in the opening minutes of play, followed by his backflip. Later in the game, Marts Reid-Warden's goal was followed by a dance as a tribute to Premier League star Daniel Sturridge.

8. Sept. 29, 2012
Binghamton 2, New Hampshire 1 (OT)

Jake Keegan was no stranger to scoring goals during his career at Binghamton. His most memorable, however, was his game winner in overtime as the Bearcats won their conference opener.

7. Oct. 7, 2009
Binghamton 2, Albany 1 (OT)

Talk about a reversal of fortunes. Jason Stenta had to come up with a save on a penalty kick in overtime to keep the Bearcats from losing. Just a few minutes later, Adam Whitehead won the game on a free kick.

6. Oct. 30, 2010
Binghamton 1, New Hampshire 0 (2 OT)

Needing a win to clinch a home playoff game, the Bearcats got a much-needed goal by Tommy Klim to spark a wild celebration afterwards. Had the game ended scoreless, the Bearcats would have opened up the America East Tournament on the road.
 
5. Sept. 29, 2007
Binghamton 3, Cornell 0

Binghamton's first-ever game at the Bearcats Sports Complex featured a hat trick by Cameron Keith in front of over 1,800 fans. It was the first hat trick by a Binghamton player at the Division I level. Keith recorded a second hat trick later in the year at home against Maine. But this game, being the first at the BSC, carries more weight.

4. Nov. 14, 2007
America East Semifinals
Binghamton 1, UMBC 0

Cody Germain cemented his reputation as a clutch performer in postseason games with a first-half goal. The win earned the Bearcats their fifth straight trip to the America East finals.

3. Nov. 8, 2014
America East Quarterfinals
Binghamton 1, Stony Brook 1 (Binghamton wins SO 4-3)

It took seven years before the drama of a conference tournament shootout took place at the BSC. Robert Moewes stopped three PK attempts as Binghamton advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2010.

2. Oct. 18, 2008
Homecoming Game
Binghamton 1, Vermont 0

The first-ever sold out crowd at the Bearcats Sports Complex, as well as a regional TV audience, watched Cameron Keith score the game winner midway through the second half. The win put the Bearcats into first place in the America East Conference

1. Oct. 6, 2007
Homecoming Game
Binghamton 2, Boston 1 (OT)
 

Expect anything different?

Before over 1,700 fans on a rainy night in Binghamton, the Bearcats fell behind 1-0 in the opening minutes of the game. With a formal dedication ceremony for the BSC moved indoors, the night appeared to be a literal washout.

Cameron Keith had other ideas. He tied the game late in the first half and then won the game in the final seconds of the first overtime period.

The celebration after the game, with the players climbing the fences to hug the alums who came back, remains iconic to this day.

Someday, perhaps there will be another game to top this one.

But not yet.

With that in mind, here is hoping we will have some games this year make the list.

Posted on September 4, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Turning the Page

It's been four days since the men's soccer team returned from Ohio State and its another four days before its home opener against Manhattan. Still, the significance of having a good week of training can't be overstated.
Next week, the Bearcats have three matches in six days. With a young team continuing to grow, the time off from matches presents a chance for the squad to gel more as a unit.

"This week is very important for us," junior Mike Kubik said. "We need to take the momentum from our win over Ohio State and have a good week of training. The team is training hard, replicating game-type intensity and we are improving every day. We are all looking forward to the games and can't wait to get after it."

"We are looking to get a few more guys back from injuries and a few other guys a little more fit, so that has been a highlight of the week," head coach Paul Marco said. "We are trying to get better in our attacking areas. Obviously, we'd like to score more goals, so that is something we are working on. Defensively, we are trying to reinforce some of the concepts we are putting into the team. We have so many new faces so we are still in the early stages of putting everything together."

Coach Marco and the veterans were pleased with the team chemistry during the preseason. A win at Ohio State and a week to train figure to only improve it.

"Our team's chemistry was pretty good last weekend," Pascal Trappe said. "We definitely showed that we can work together as a group. Now that we are back we need to focus on continuing working hard in practice so that we can improve from the last two games."

Athlete of the Week

Trappe was named the Binghamton Athletic Department's Wells Fargo Athlete of the Week. Click here to view the video interview.

Social Media Update

Our office ran a graphic on our instagram site of Trappe being named the Athlete of the Week. Click here to access it.

Season Opener

Robbie Hughes, the 2013 team captain for Binghamton, begins his second season at Bloomsburg as an assistant coach. Tonight, the Huskies kick off their season at home against St. Thomas Aquinas at 7:30 p.m.
With Hughes on the staff, Bloomsburg advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament last year.

Click here to access Hughes' bio on the Bloomsburg website.

Oh No!

As we mentioned earlier in the week, Coach Marco had to get up early on Monday morning to do his WNBF interview with Roger Neel. This was after the team returned from Ohio State at 3 a.m.
Turns out he had another reason to be up early. One of his daughters had a sleepover and they wanted him to get breakfast for the group.

For those of you who listen to Coach Marco and Roger Neel, you know how much they love talking about the Cider Mill, a seasonal place open in the fall which is renowned for their donuts and fresh cider.
Marco told his family he was getting breakfast from the Cider Mill, but said he was outvoted and had to go to Dunkin Donuts instead.

"I just do whatever I am told in the Marco household," he said.

Neel was unavailable for comment.

Posted on September 3, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu 

SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

Staying Strong

Pascal Trappe's goal against Ohio State has been the highlight of the season so far for the men's soccer team. To fully appreciate how special the moment was, however, one must go back to his previous three years with the program.

Trappe arrived at Binghamton in 2012, having transferred from St. John's University. Right away, there was no questioning his talent and the energy level he brought to the team. Staying healthy, however, was different story.

He appeared in seven games with four starts in 2012 before struggling with injuries. He was unable to play the following year and did not see the playing field again until late last season.

"It was very tough and it took a lot of discipline and will to stay positive," he said. "Every time I was close to playing again there was another setback."

There were two support units that Trappe had in his corner during those tough times – his family back home in Germany and the rest of the men's soccer team here on campus.

"My family was a major factor in my comeback," he said. "They were there for me for every second of it. There were a lot of phone calls and Skype sessions and messages going back and forth encouraging me and reminding me to stay patient. My mom also kept sending me postcards with motivational quotes (that are actually next to my locker) and my brother wrote songs, which I listen to before the games to get me going. I am also very grateful for having such a strong support system here at Binghamton. There are always people asking me how I am doing and are there to help me. The coaching staff is incredibly supportive. Coach (Paul) Marco was very patient with me and never stopped believing in me."

Trappe's comeback started last October and was highlighted by his scoring a goal in the Senior Night win over Stony Brook. The victory clinched a first-round home game in the America East Tournament for Binghamton.

"That goal was very special," he said. "Before the game, I spoke to my family and discussed the case of me scoring and they told me that I definitely should go to Coach (Marco) to celebrate. I thanked God first and then I went to Coach. I think that was the best way to say thank you for all the years he believed in me. However, scoring a goal on my dad's birthday and with my family being at the game was one of the best feelings in my life so far."

Trappe graduated cum laude from Binghamton last spring but since he redshirted two years ago, he was eligible for another year of playing soccer. He is now a graduate student, working towards his degree in public administration.

On the first day of preseason, we interviewed some of the players and asked them how it felt to be back on campus. No one expressed their appreciation more than Trappe.

"As I said in preseason, I am very grateful to have another year on this team," he said. "Here we are able to come together with a group of people with different backgrounds to work towards a common goal. We are more than just teammates. We are friends and more than that -- the BU Men's Soccer program is my American family."
 
Postscript

Trappe wasn't able to play in 2013 but he had two signature moments off the field, both of which illustrated how connected he was to the men's soccer program.

Before the Bearcats' Sept. 13 home opener against Buffalo, Trappe spread the word about the team's game by standing on top of a table in the Mountainview Dining Hall and yelling out the details.

"It's a good thing he stood on the table," Coach Marco told us later. "Otherwise, no one would be able to see him. It's great that he cared that much to tell people about the game."

A crowd a 1,200 people, many of whom were students, came out to the match. Binghamton won 2-0.

Later in the season, Trappe was chosen to give the team's traditional Homecoming Speech. The day before the annual game, a current player delivers a speech to fire up the rest of the team.

Trappe yelled out his speech in German. Trey Jasenski, who was the captain that year, translated it into English, as Trappe spoke, also yelling.

According to some of the veterans afterwards, Coach Marco was close to tears in laughter.

For the record, Binghamton defeated UMass Lowell 3-0 in that Homecoming game.

Posted September 2, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

Leftovers from Ohio State

The men's soccer team has the day off today but there is still plenty of buzz in the media and on campus about their 1-0 win at Ohio State on Sunday.

We met up with Pascal Trappe yesterday at the entrance to the Events Center to coordinate an interview. Within a span of five minutes, he had at least five different people come up and congratulate him on the goal he scored against the Buckeyes.

"Everywhere I've gone this morning, people are really excited about the win," he said. "It's really great."

Trappe and the rest of the men's team didn't get home until 3 a.m. on Monday morning. With yesterday being the first day of classes, several of them had to be back up again at 8 a.m. Trappe had a full day of running around trying to get everything set up.

Simply put, the interviews could wait another day.

Early Morning Riser

Thank goodness Head Coach Paul Marco is a self-professed morning person.

As we mentioned yesterday, he went on Roger Neel's WNBF morning show five hours after the bus returned to campus. Click here for the complete interview.

TV Coverage

We sent the video of Trappe's goal to the four local TV sports departments, and they all ran it on their Monday sportscasts.

WBNG ran it as one of their top plays of the week while Time Warner Cable News put its headline as "It's a Trappe!"

Click the links below to access each of the station's coverage.

WBNG Action News
WICZ Fox 40 
WIVT Newschannel 34
Time Warner Cable News 

Reading List

With school back in session, so is the student newspaper, the Pipe Dream. Click here for their recap of the win over Ohio State.

Around the Conference

It wasn't just Binghamton that tasted success during the first week of the 2015 season. The America East Conference went 8-4-2 in the opening weekend.

Moreover, the Bearcats weren't the only conference team to beat a ranked opponent. UMass Lowell downed No. 21 Monmouth 1-0 on Friday night.

Click here for the America East Weekly Press Release.

Coming Up Next

We are working on a feature on Trappe, which should be posted in the next day or two.

Stay tuned.

Posted on September 1, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 31, 2015

Wow!

For those of you who were sweating profusely during those final 10 minutes against Ohio State, you were not alone.

We were at the Welcome Back BBQ on campus for the rest of the student athletes, which included the men's soccer players who did not make the trip. They were on pins and needles during the time and were glued to the live stats.

The collective roar from that group of players could be heard across the Events Center when the game went final.

In Case You Missed It

You can access the video of Pascal Trappe's goal through the recap story we posted yesterday. Click here to access it.

Where It Ranks

Binghamton has five wins over nationally-ranked teams during its NCAA Division era. Most recently, the Bearcats downed No. 30 Lafayette 1-0 on Sept. 17, 2010.
The other wins were:

-Defeated No. 15 Fairleigh Dickinson 1-0 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament (Nov. 15, 2003)
-Defeated No. 30 Winthrop 1-0 on Sept. 2, 2007
-Defeated No. 21 Wisconsin 1-0 on Sept. 14, 2008.

All of the rankings, except for the Fairleigh Dickinson game, were from College Soccer News. The FDU ranking was from the NSCAA.

The other significant game against a ranked team was Binghamton's 0-0 tie on Oct. 26, 2013 against a UMBC squad that was ranked seventh in both major polls.

Thoughts from the Bus

We caught up with some of the players during their bus trip back from Ohio State. Here were their takes on the victory:

Mike Kubik

"I thought the victory was a great team effort. Everybody embraced their role, stuck to our game plan and grinded out a well-deserved win."

Tucker Sandercock

"Today's win was a really important step for the team. Not only did we defeat a great team but it showed our younger players that we can compete and beat some of the better teams in the conference."

A Veteran Presence

Much has been documented about how young this year's team is. It was a trio of veterans, however, that Marco pointed out as contributing significant to the win yesterday.
 
Pascal Trappe, Bret Celeste and Tucker Sandercock were all battling injuries during the preseason. None of them started against Wright State but all three of them started against Ohio State.

"I thought Bret, Pascal and Tucker were terrific," head coach Paul Marco said. "It was great to have all of them back. Pascal (who scored the goal) only played 30 minutes but did quite well."

Reading List

The Press & Sun Bulletin interviewed Coach Marco last night following the victory. Click here for the recap.

WBNG TV also included the recap on its website. Click here to access it. 

Early Morning Riser

According to Coach Marco, the team did not get back to campus until 3 a.m. this morning. That didn't stop him, however, from doing a phone interview with Roger Neel on the WNBF Morning Show five hours later. Check back tomorrow for the clip of that interview.

Posted on August 31, 2015
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
 
AUGUST 28, 2015

Opening Night!

Before we watch Binghamton face Wright State, some final notes:

Streaming Video and Live Stats Information

For those of you who are new to the program, we will post the links to the streaming video and live stat links at least 24 hours before each match. These will be up on the front of the Binghamton Athletic website and without our preview articles. For matches not played at Binghamton, the host school oversees all video and stats. Not all schools will have live video and others may charge a fee for it.

Binghamton will have the same live stat and live video links throughout the season. There will be no fee for live video.

Click here to go the weekend preview article, which contains the link to the live stats and video at Ohio State.

Dinner and a Show

The night before leaving for Ohio State, the men's soccer team made its annual trip to Fuji Sahn Restaurant for a hibachi dinner. It has become a staple of the preseason.

"The dinner at Fuji Sahn is a highlight for the team each year," senior Tucker Sandercock said. "It represents the end of preseason and the start of the regular season. It's also a reward for making it through the two-a-days and all of the bad jokes."

Click here for some of the photos from the Fuji Shan dinner, which we posted on the Binghamton Athletics Facebook site.

Final Quotes

Head Coach Paul Marco was on Roger's Neel's WNBF Morning Show and shared his thoughts about the team heading into the first match of the regular season.

"Tonight should be a terrific match," he said. "Wright State is a very good team. They are similar to some of the team in our conference. They are big, strong, very direct and very good on the counterattack. They recruited a very good class that is ranked nationally."
As far as who plays to tonight, Marco was pretty direct himself.

"We could start as many as seven new guys tonight," he said. "I am excited to watch the young guys play. We are also getting some guys back from injuries that will help us."

Marco was just as complimentary about Ohio State, whom the Bearcats meet Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

"Their head coach (John Bluem) is a good friend of mine and has done a great job out there," he said. "Each year we teach a coaching course together. He told me last year he thought his team could be really special and they were ranked in the top 10 during the year. Playing them is going to be a great test for our guys.

Check back on Monday for the recap of the weekend.

Posted August 28, 2015 at 1 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




AUGUST 27, 2015

A Special Group

Binghamton just left for Ohio State and we will have some final team thoughts about the upcoming weekend tomorrow. Today, however, we wish to talk about a different group of people who the men's soccer program appreciates.

As all of you know, the biggest story here in the U.S. on Wednesday was a young television reporter (Alison Parker) and cameraman (Adam Ward) being gunned down during a live interview yesterday. The video of the tragic event has been replayed countless times on the internet.

Our thoughts immediatley went out to one specific group of local people. We have four local TV stations, each of whom have beat reporters who come out to interview all of our Binghamton athletic teams -- including the men' soccer squad. For years, they have been among our most faithful media members. The names of the reporters may change over the years but their talent level and dedication does not.

These reporters probably never envisioned a day when they could be killed in the line of duty. While none of them probably knew Parker or Ward personally, it definitely made an impact on them, based on the responses we have heard from some of them.

The testimonies about Parker conveyed attributes such as a positive attitude, a great work ethic and someone who got along with everyone. It made us think of our sports reporters up here, all of whom we can say the same about.

Travis Eldridge and Mike Peal work at WBNG and received a prestigious award for their sportscast this summer. Jeremy Donovan and Donnie Dwyer work at FOX 40 and Donovan has been known to run clever features, such as having our basketball teams sing Jingle Bells around Christmas. Sarah Tranelli works at WIVT and comes from Ohio University, one of the top journalism schools in the nation. Kate Sweeting just arrived at Time Warner Cable News and has worked all over the nation.

All of these reporters have been there for every preseason and postseason media day the men's soccer team has held. They travel around town shooting highlights of sometimes up to 4-5 different events a night, including Binghamton's games. They have always been fair to Coach Marco and the team -- win or lose. Their coverage has been terrific.

There have also been notable local sports reporters in the past, including longtime WBNG Director Brendan O'Reilly, WIVT reporter Liana Bonavita, who now is a sports director in Albany as well as FOX 40 anchor Rod Alan, who now helps out with our department's game day video.

All of this makes yesterday's tragic events hard to stomach. Just as Roanoke, Virginia had a special reporter in Parker, Binghamton has also been blessed with many sports reporters like her over the years.

As we mentioned last week, we now have a press clipping page, with all of the media coverage for the 2015 season. This includes all four of the TV stations. Click here to access it.

Taking one look at this page makes us realize how fortunate the men's soccer program is. After a day like yesterday, we should appreciate this group of people even more than we already do.
 
Posted on August 27, 2015 at 9 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 26, 2015

The End of Preseason

One would think that after two weeks of two-a-day training sessions would be enough for the Binghamton men's soccer team. It would only be normal for the squad to embrace having just one session a day.

Wrong!

According to head coach Paul Marco, the players asked to train twice on Tuesday.

"I actually thought we were going to train once but they guys said they really would prefer to go twice so I obviously was all up for that," he said.

Besides the work ethic of the team, Marco has appreciated the way the team has bonded during the past two weeks. One gathering earlier this week best illustrated how the team was getting along.

"One of our local freshmen, Connor McKnight, had his family invite the team over this weekend," he said. "I can't thank the McKnights' enough. What a great time it was. They had a great backyard with a pool and a place to play soccer. Our guys were very respectful and told us they are ready to go back to the McKnight's anytime."

Marco and senior forward Pascal Trappe talked about how the team has progressed since the start of preseason. Click here to access the video.

Looking Ahead

The 2015 season preview is now up on our website. Click here to go to the article.

Social Media Update

We posted some of the photos from yesterday's Team Picture Day on the Binghamton Athletics Facebook Page. Click here to access that post.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats History: August 26, 2015

For those of you veteran readers of the Daily Update…it's time to roll out our first look back at what happened on this date in the history of the Binghamton Bearcats men's soccer team.

We begin on a pretty good note from four years ago.

Jake Keegan and Adam Whitehead each had a goal and an assist, powering Binghamton to a 3-1 win over Bucknell in the season opener for both squad.

Current Binghamton assistant coach Tommy Moon, meanwhile, scored the first goal of the match with just 1:18 elapsed.

Posted on August 26, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu

AUGUST 25, 2015

Say Cheese!

With the final roster set, the Binghamton men's soccer squad took its 2015 team photo today at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Plenty to go over from the day, including the social media coverage.

For the first time since moving into the Bearcats Sports Complex, head coach Paul Marco chose to have the team photo taken at midfield, with the bleachers in the background. In previous seasons, the team had their photo shot at the end of the field. With ideal weather, the shot turned out impressively.

Click here for the team photo, which is now on the Binghamton website.

Besides the background, one thing that stands out are the two pairs of fluorescent pink cleats worn by a pair of the players in the photo. We actually got questions about it but left it up to Coach Marco to give a comment.

"Every year I concede some of the things that others like to wear," he said. "Shoe colors is one of the things I have conceded to the guys. I personally prefer black boots but I get that there are so many colors out there. As long as it helps their play they can wear whatever they want."

The rules for the coaching staff, however, are another story.

"You'll see our staff in black and green on game day," Marco said.

After the team photo, the Bearcats took a photo with several of the players holding the 2015 Bearcat Scarf. Click here for the instagram photo.

In addition, the Bearcats had photos by class for the first time in its Division I history. Click here for the instagram photo of the four classes.

Periscope

Our sports information office has started a periscope account this year.

Wonder what that is? So did I until about a month ago.

It is real-time coverage of events and each video stays up for 24 hours after the event.

Today, we covered the men's soccer photo day on periscope. Click here for the video.

Happy 30th Anniversary

I have to end this entry on a personal note. Today marks the 30^th wedding anniversary of two loyal Binghamton soccer fans…my mom and stepdad.

In the 15 years I have been working with the team, they have followed the men's soccer squad. After the 2006 team title, my first phone call when I got back to the office was to them.

They taught my then two-year old niece the "Ole" chant after that 2006 championship.

Last year, my mom and stepdad came up to visit from Maryland and were on hand for the Bearcats' win over Stony Brook in the America East quarterfinals.

One of the things that has made the Binghamton men's soccer program special over the years has been the parents that support the program. The players are fortunate to have them.

As I am to have my mom and stepdad.

Posted on August 25, 2015 at 7:20 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 24, 2015

A Smooth Transition

A year ago, Tommy Moon was the Binghamton men's soccer team captain. Now he is back with the squad as an assistant coach.

"Coaching has been something I have wanted to do in the long run as a career path," he said. "I love being around this team and the guys. When this (job) opening became available, it was an offer I couldn't refuse."

Few players know the program better than Moon. He grew up in the area watching the Bearcats and was a part of the program for the past five seasons.

"The competitive environment here has always been great," he said. "The guys have a willingness to learn and have been supportive of me as a player and a coach."

In the spring, Moon continued to train with the team even though his playing days were over. He then volunteered to help the coaching staff run some of the sessions. Even though he was their teammate last year, Moon sensed their respect for his new position right away.

"I was able to run some of the sessions and the guys were great," he said. "They really took what I said to heart and applied it to their game."

There are 14 returning players on this year's roster, all of whom played with Moon. The respect they have for him, both as a player and coach, is evident.

"He just brings so much positive energy to the team," Pascal Trappe said. "I loved playing with him. He knows the game, taught me a lot and is doing very well right now.

Head coach Paul Marco has known Moon since he played youth soccer. He echoes the players' sentiments about Moon so far.

"He has done quite well," Marco said. "He has done a very good job with the activities that he has been leading. I am sure he wants to be in playing a little more than he has right now but he still gets the chance to kick it around a little bit."

One person Moon has kept in touch with the past year has been Robbie Hughes, the Binghamton team captain who is now on the coaching staff at Bloomsburg. Being young coaches have given both of them an appreciation for each other's current position.

"We've been talking quite a bit over the past year," he said. "I actually did my NSCAA National Diploma down in Bloomsburg so we got to catch up. We played together for two years and we bounce ideas off each other all the time. I wish him all the best this year."

Countdown Video

The America East Conference has posted the countdown video by Pascal Trappe and Logan Roberts. Click here to access the video on the America East Instagram site.

Kudos to the Bearcat women's team!

Click here for the recap of the women's team's 2-1 win over St. Bonaventure in its season opener on Friday night!

Posted on August 24, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 21, 2015

Still Making His Mark

A decade after graduating from Binghamton, Graham Munro is still very much immersed in the sport of soccer.

For the past three years, he has lived in Orlando, where he is the General Manager of Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Florida. He oversees a staff of 12 full-timers and 40 part-time coaches across three territories (Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers).

"Our mission statement in the youth soccer world is that we aim to establish an identity of excellence as we pursue our pathway to success on and off the field," he said. "Our primary focus is the development of players and people.  We strive to produce players who can compete at the highest level of soccer throughout the world."

This past summer, many players within GPS went over the Northern Ireland for the prestigious Dale Farm Milk Cup. Munro was a coach and helped lead a squad that lost only once in seven matches.

"The Dale Farm Milk Cup, held in Northern Ireland, is one of the most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the world and this year was the 33rd year of competition," he said.  The alumni list of players who have played in the Milk Cup includes David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and multiple World Cup winners including Sergio Busquets from Spain.  Overall, we played seven games during the trip and the only game we lost was to Right to Dream Academy from Ghana who were the eventual winners so I was delighted."

Although Munro works in Orlando, he still has his years at Binghamton -- and growing up in Scotland -- very much in his heart. He was a third-team All-American back in 2005 and was voted into the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. More important, however, he helped lead the Bearcats to the 2003 America East title as well as three straight appearances in the conference title game.

"If you were to ask my staff down here I am sure they would tell you that I mention Binghamton every day – sometimes twice," he said. "Every morning to start the work day, I make my staff stand and hold hands in front of my Hall of Fame plaque and sing the Scottish national anthem."

All these years later, Munro still keeps in touch with many of his former Binghamton teammates.

"Looking back to my days at Binghamton, it was my most enjoyable time as a player on the field," he said.  "I am lucky enough to see Danilo and his son Matteo a couple of times a year whether he is visiting Orlando or I am visiting Miami.  Justin Leskow was recently in town and, as he is a Mickey Mouse golfer, so it was good to take him to the Disney courses and play a round.  I was also recently talking to Bryan Arnualt and Brendan McGovern as they both ran the Boston Marathon so I have challenged them to a race at this year's Disney Marathon.  Looking at their Boston times however, I might have to two foot tackle at the start line just to have a chance to get close to them."

Munro was recently interviewed about the Dale Farms Milk Cup. Click here to go to the video.

Reading List

The Press & Sun Bulletin ran their feature article on Robert Moewes in today's edition. Click here for the article.

Washed Out

The Bearcat Open, which was scheduled for yesterday, was postponed due to the weather. No make-up date has been set yet.

Stay tuned.

Have a good weekend.

Posted on August 21, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 20, 2015

Takeaways from Lehigh Preseason Game

Eight days into the 2015 preseason, Binghamton met its first NCAA Division I opponent on Wednesday afternoon when Lehigh visited the Bearcats Sports Complex.

The Mountain Hawks, who went 10-8-1 last season, return a pair of players who have been named to the Patriot League's preseason all-conference team. In the coaches' preseason poll, Lehigh was picked to finish fifth out of 10 teams.

Fielding a young team, Binghamton was defeated 2-0. Still, head coach Paul Marco saw plenty of positives coming out of the match.

"I thought today was a great day for us," he said afterwards. "I thought we played well for large spells of the game. Our ball movement was quite good. We created enough opportunities today but if there is an area that we know we must improve in as a group, it's to finish off our chances."

Binghamton ended the match with a 7-6 shot advantage.

"We created enough opportunities in the first half to be well ahead, including breakaways," Marco said. "We did not finish our chances and it is an area for us to go back to the training ground and get better in."

Overall, however, Marco has seen the team improve since it returned to campus eight days ago.

"Our fitness has improved for sure," he said. "The mentality of the guys has been terrific and they have been coming together nicely. They are still fighting for positions so the competition has been great in training. The organization of the group has also improved immensely in the last week."

Press Clippings

We have created a new page on the men's soccer website, which will have the links to all of the press coverage during the 2015 season.

It will be the third story on the men's soccer team page during the year, right after the Daily Update.

Click here to access the page.

Bearcat Women's Soccer Update

The Binghamton women's soccer team, which reported back to campus a week earlier than the men, begins its season tomorrow night at home against St. Bonaventure at 7 p.m. Click here for the team's season preview.

In Case You Missed It....

The Binghamton soccer scarf has returned for a second season.

As part of the Bearcat men's and women's season ticket package, the Binghamton Athletic Department will be giving away a 2015 Binghamton soccer scarf. The scarf will serve as a fan's admission ticket into all regular-season men's and women's games. The price is once again $20.00.

One big fan of the scarf is WNBF Morning host Roger Neel, who mentioned it during his interview with Coach Marco yesterday morning.

"It's a great deal for sure," he said. "You can't beat that, walking into the (Bearcats Sports Complex) only needing to show the scarf when you get there."

Click here for more information.

Posted August 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 19, 2015

Media Outtakes

The last two days have brought a series of media requests and engagements for the Binghamton men's soccer team. Each of them had their own interesting moments.

Food (and Size) For Thought

On Wednesday afternoon, Robert Moewes and Coach Marco were interviewed by Lynn Worthy of the Press & Sun Bulletin. The article, according to Worthy, should appear in the next few days.

At the start of the interview, Worthy asked Marco what makes Moewes such a good goalkeeper.

Marco's reply was priceless:

"Have you SEEN him?"

Following a moment of laughter among the three of them, Marco backed up his answer.

"He is built like a goalkeeper. He plays like a very good goalkeeper."

The conversation later switched to an unusual topic….food. Moewes is known as a healthy eater on the team. Marco quantified that notion.

"Robert probably eats more vegetables than four guys on our team…combined."

The Final Countdown

Later in the day, Pascal Trappe and Logan Roberts took part in a promotional video for the America East Conference, which is counting down the days until the start of the men's soccer season.

Each of the eight men's soccer schools has been assigned a day by the America East Conference. Binghamton has the number 5, meaning their video will say that five days are left before the season opener.

Three years ago, Trappe brought the house down when he gave the team's traditional Homecoming Game speech…in German. Trey Jasenski, who was the team captain that year, translated his speech into English as it was being delivered. Both of them were yelling the whole time.

On Wednesday, Trappe gave his opening line of "five days left until the season" in German. Roberts was on hand to translate.

The America East will release the video clip on Sunday.

The Binghamton women's team did a similar video last week, being assigned the number 6. It ran on Monday. 

Trappe and Roberts took only two takes to finish the video, which was three less than the Bearcat women took.

"Of course we did it (in less takes)," Roberts said afterwards.

Click here to go to the America East Twitter account for all of the countdown videos and more from preseason around the conference.

Breakfast and a Show

On Thursday morning, Coach Marco traveled down to the WNBF Studio for his first interview of the year with Morning Show host Roger Neel.

Besides talking about the season, Marco and Neel brought up the Season Ticket Scarf Package. They also talked about a local establishment that is near and dear to both of them….The Cider Mill.

Neel has long been a big fan of the Cider Mill, which is open each fall and specializes in donuts, pies and (of course) fresh cider made on site. Neel goes so far as to freeze a bunch of donuts for the winter months after the place closes down.

During his shows, Neel has done the commercials for the Cider Mill, but his 60-second spot often turns into a 2-3 minute monologue.

In previous years, he and Marco have usually referenced the Cider Mill during their interviews.

With that mind, each one of them had a Cider Mill Donut ready for them before the interview on Thursday.

When Neel first went on the air with Marco, he led off with…. "The Breakfast of Champions!"

Click here for the entire interview.

2014 Flashback

Coach Marco purchased a Cider Mill Pumpkin Pie for the Binghamton Athletic Department's Thanksgiving Potluck last November. We agreed to give what was left of it to Neel for his upcoming trip with the men's basketball team (he is the team's radio broadcaster).

How much did Neel appreciate the gesture? Click here to find out!

Posted August 19, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




AUGUST 18, 2015

Shout Outs To Alums

As the Bearcats continue to train in what has become a pretty humid week, here are some alumni updates to pass along:

Cameron Keith, who we talked with last week, may be done playing college soccer but he is still active in the Highland League back in Scotland.

Last week, he scored his 250^th career goal in the Highland League and recorded a hat trick.

Keith was a senior on the 2008 squad and his replacement the following year up front was Jake Keegan. Over the next four seasons, Keegan became one of the most prolific goal scorers in Binghamton history.

Currently, Keegan is having a standout season for Galway FC in Ireland.  So much so that he is on the cover of the team's program and poster for their August 21 match. Click here to see the cover on the Galway FC website.

Keegan was drafted by the Philadelphia Union of MLS (Major League Soccer) in 2013 before opting to play overseas.

One alum who played with both Keith and Keegan had a milestone week of his own this week. Kyle Manscuk, who was a senior in 2010, is now a doctor. This past weekend was his white coat ceremony.

While Keith and Keegan was standouts up front, Manscuk was a mainstay in the backfield. He was named first-team All-Region as a senior.

After graduating from Binghamton, Manscuk played professionally with the Rochester Lancers of the MISL from 2011-14.

Currently, he lives in St. Croix.
 
Posted August 18, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




AUGUST 17, 2015

Coaching Success Beyond Binghamton

As the Binghamton men's soccer team begins its second week of preseason, one of its former captains is also getting ready for the upcoming college soccer campaign. Robbie Hughes, who was the team captain in 2013, is in his second year as a graduate assistant coach at Division II Bloomsburg University.

Working under longtime coach Paul Payne, Hughes enjoyed significant success in 2014, both on the field and in the classroom.

"My first year at Bloomsburg was a great year for me both athletically and academically," he said. Working under Paul Payne has been a great experience for the first 12 months of my coaching career. The team had a great year (13-6-2) as we finished second in the conference, got to the conference championship game and made it into the NCAA tournament for the first time in over 30 years. As well as having a great coaching year, I maintained a 4.0 GPA in my first year in grad school."

Hughes credits Payne for helping him grow as a young coach.

"He has a wealth of experience and knowledge about the game itself and how to go about your job as a college soccer coach," Hughes said. "I am his one and only assistant which has meant that I have been given many responsibilities throughout this past year from both sides of college athletics. He has trusted me and given me opportunities to coach the team which has been extremely helpful in my development."

Binghamton, however, is never far from Hughes' mind. Being the Bearcats' team captain his senior year helped pave the way to his current career path.

"Binghamton was a fantastic experience for me and I miss playing and seeing the boys and staff every day," he said. "Being the captain of the team my senior year allowed me to take on more team leadership responsibilities. I think working with Coach Marco (in that role) made me appreciate the effort it takes to organize and plan a full coaching session."

One disadvantage to Hughes' schedule is that he has been unable to make it to Homecoming Weekend, when a significant number of men's soccer alums return for the Saturday night game.

"I was devastated that I couldn't make it to Homecoming last year and I have the same heartbreak this year because of how our schedule and homecoming weekend falls," he said. "We will be down in Ohio when the lads play against UMASS Lowell but I'm sure it will be a great night and I hope all the boys involved appreciate that type of atmosphere.  That being said though, I'll be trying to make it up for a weekend to see the lads, staff and hopefully a Binghamton win sometime soon."

Despite the distance however, Hughes still stays connected with many of his former Bearcat teammates.

"I keep in touch with as many teammates as I possibly can," he said. "I just recently was talking to Jamie Forbes, I saw Tommy (Moon) up at the NSCAA coaching school that Bloomsburg hosted and I still can't lose contact with (Alan) Duff. That's what is great about technology--that we can all keep in contact and I think I have all the lads on Snapchat and we see each other for eight seconds or less a lot.

For more on Hughes and the Bloomsburg men's soccer team, click here.

Posted August 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




August 14, 2015

Resource Guide

As we begin the 2015 season, here are several important links to keep up to date with the Binghamton men's soccer team:

Once again, there will be free live video for all home games. Click here to be directed to the live video page.

Also during home games, there will be live stats, which can also be accessed easily on all mobile phones. Click here to be directed to the live stats page (it will be refreshed when the season starts).

Our Binghamton Athletics Twitter account will also have live updates for all of the Bearcats' games during the 2015 season. It will also break the latest team news. Click here to go to our Twitter account.

Finally, our Binghamton Athletics Facebook and Instagram accounts will have photos and videos throughout the 2015 season. Click here for our Facebook site and here for our Instagram site.

As we open up other Binghamton Athletics Social Media Accounts, we will post the links for you.

On the National Level, here are the sites we will be tracking this year:

America East Conference
NCAA Statistics
NSCAA
College Soccer News
Top Drawer Soccer Scoreboard

Media Day Recap

Click here for a recap of the Fall Sports Teams' Media Day at Binghamton. Head coach Paul Marco, Robert Moewes and Logan Roberts represented the men's soccer program.

Coming Up Next...

We have a handful of alums who are now coaching soccer checking in with us next week. Also next week is the infamous Bearcat Open Golf Tournament.

Have a good weekend and think of the Bearcats as they continue their two-a-day preseason training sessions.

Talk to you Monday.

Posted August 14, 2015 at 3 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 13, 2015

The First Time it Happened….

As many of you know by now, junior goalkeeper Robert Moewes has been named to the 2015 Hermann Trophy Watch List. He is the second player in program history to be named one of the top 48 players in the nation heading into the season.

The first player was Cameron Keith in 2008. It is an honor that he still cherishes.

"It was a huge honor for me to be named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List," he said "I didn't know too much about the award when I first arrived at Binghamton (from Scotland) but when Coach Marco and former assistant John Scott told me I would be on the list and I soon realized the importance of it and I was delighted.  To be named in the top 48 players at Division 1 Level for college sports in the whole U.S. was a huge honor, and even more so to be the first person from Binghamton University on that list meant a lot to me."

Like Moewes, Keith began his career in style, being named the 2007 America East Striker of the Year as well as a first-team NSCAA All-Region selection. That season, however, did not start off well.

"I missed the first five games with an injury," he said. "So to come all the way back and had the year that I did was great."

Both years Keith was on the team, the Bearcats advanced to the America East finals. They also captured the conference's regular-season title in 2007. As many individual accolades as Keith racked up, he credits his teammates for his success.

"If it wasn't for the work of my teammates I would never have been anywhere near the Watch List," he said. "It was a credit to them that I was able to play the way I did and score the goals that I did, so I cannot stress the importance of my teammates enough.  That was the thing about our Bearcats squad – we really were a TEAM and the fact I was voted onto the Hermann Trophy Watch List was really a recognition for what we did as a team, rather than individual recognition."

Keith and his teammates from those years may be scattered all over the globe now, but the bond they established years ago still holds strong.

"I very much keep in touch with the guys and see them every year," he said. "I was out to Binghamton in both 2011 and 2012 for Alumni Weekend and just a few weeks ago, myself, Justin Leskow, Pablo Trillo, Matt Narode, David Grad and Matt Ryan went down to Matt Ryan's beach house in Delaware for a long weekend.  We haven't changed too much from our college days and still act absolutely ridiculously when we are together….life and soul of the party as always!"

Posted on August 13, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




AUGUST 12, 2015

Beep Beep!

Hearing the word "beep" brings to mind many things.

A traffic jam or perhaps the Road Runner cartoon character.

For the Binghamton men's soccer team, "beep" has an entirely different meaning.

Each preseason begins with the Multistage Fitness Test, otherwise known as the Beep Test. It is a measure of how each player's fitness is.

For a complete guide to the Beep Test, click here.

"It is lots of running," Logan Roberts said. "It's very mental pushing through the higher levels. If we put in the work over the summer, we'll be prepared for it when the test comes around."

"It is a hard and tough test," Kristian Piippo said. "But we got a summer program from our coach and if we follow it, we should be fine."

Each player has their mind on the beep test over the summer but after they pass, they feel like they have cleared a hurdle.

"Once you hear the beep go off for Level 15 (the passing score for the team), it is a great feeling."

Social Media Update

We put a 15-second video of the Beep Test on the Binghamton Athletic Department Instagram site. We made sure to start filming at Level 8 (the first level).

Let's just say there were quite a few comments from some of the recent alums about the post.

For the Binghamton Athletics Instagram site, click here.

Reading List

2013 alum Jake Keegan continues to excel with Galway United FC in Ireland. Click here for his latest honor.

According to head coach Paul Marco, Keegan routinely had one of the best Beep Test scores during his Binghamton career.

Coming Up Next…

Head Coach Paul Marco and selected players will take part in Binghamton's Fall Sports Media Day on Thursday afternoon.

Posted on August 12, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 11, 2015

Moving On In

Head coach Paul Marco admits that he doesn't get much sleep the night before preseason begins. Not even after two decades as a Division I head coach.

"No, I didn't sleep much last night," he said. "It's an exciting time of the year. It's wonderful to still have this feeling after so many years. I don't know if I will ever lose it."

For the record, the 2015 preseason officially began at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning in the lobby of the Events Center. The 31 players all gathered there before Marco and his staff took them down to the locker room to go over things with them.

The players won't get on the field until Wednesday but being back on campus was something they have all been looking forward to.

"I am excited to see the team again," junior midfielder Charlie Novoth said. "Hopefully the boys are fit. I am sure that they are."

Pascal Trappe, who has struggled with injuries, is back for fifth season (he played his freshman year at St. John's).

"It's great to be back," he said. "Especially with having another year to play. That is something I am very grateful about."

Novoth and Trappe both returned to campus a week ahead of time and are living off campus. With a handful of the new international players also arriving last week, it gave all of them a head start in getting to know each other.

"A lot of the new guys came in early, so we have gotten a chance to get to know them already," Trappe said. "Some of them stayed in my apartment so we got to talk about family and friends and how they are going to work together with the team."

Both Novoth and Trappe remember when they first arrived on campus. The upperclassmen made them feel welcome right away. That is something they want to pass along to the current group of newcomers.

"We want to make the freshman feel welcome," Novoth said. "The more they feel welcome, the better they are going to play."

Posted on August 11, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 10, 2015

Introduction

Welcome to the 2015 Binghamton Men's Soccer Daily Update, a supplemental blog which will appear every weekday during the season.

This marks our eighth year of running the Men's Soccer Daily Update, which has become one of the most viewed parts of the Binghamton website. Last year, over 5,000 people viewed the Men's Soccer Daily Update during the season. It was the third-most viewed page on the entire website during the 2014-15 academic year.

The purpose of the Men's Soccer Daily Update remains the same – to take a look at the Binghamton men's soccer program beyond the stats. We will profile the players in greater depth and check in with several of our alumni players. Other traditions and adventures of the team will be detailed as well. In addition, we will also keep up with all of the press coverage and website articles which pertain to the team.

On Tuesday, the Binghamton men's soccer team reports back to campus. We hope it is the start of a successful season for the Bearcats. Through it all, the Men's Soccer Daily Update will continue to capture all aspects of the program.

Posted on August 10, 2015 at 2 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu