Box Score Periscope postgame interviews (viewable until Aug. 22 at 9 p.m.)
VESTAL, N.Y. - Freshman
Julianne Johnston netted the game-winning goal in the 70th minute to give Binghamton women's soccer a come-from-behind 2-1 win over visiting St. Bonaventure in the season opener for both teams Friday night at the Bearcats Sports Complex.
Johnston tracked down a ball sent over the top of the defense by classmate
Sierra Barr. She then deftly volleyed a one-timer from 20 yards out over Bona keeper Beth Moore.Â
The goal capped a two-goal comeback for BU, which trailed 1-0 at the break.Â
"We got better and better as the game went on," head coach
Sarah McClellan said. "We talked about having a good response to obstacles and I thought we battled and continued to play after falling behind. Our midfield did a very good job and stepped up tonight. Everyone played with a lot of heart."
Binghamton began to have the better of play at the start of the second half and got the equalizer on a penalty kick just 3:32 into the period. Barr did some nice work on the right side and sent a cross into sophomore Tricia Hanley, whose shot from 16 yards was blocked with a defender's hand. Senior forward
Stephani Church drilled home the PK from the spot, knotting the score at 1-1.
The visitors had their own penalty kick to open the scoring just 9:25 into the contest. The Bonnies sent a ball into the box from the right side and a collision between two BU defenders and a visiting forward was whistled. Senior midfielder Stephanie Jenkins slotted the ensuing penalty kick into the lower right corner.
"Sierra and I locked eyes and I asked for it over the top," Johnston said of the game-winning goal. "I had a lot of adreneline going. It was pretty crazy, honestly. I starting crying because I was so overwhelmed. It was really awesome to help the team get the win."
Sophomore keeper
Katie Hatziyianis made a pair of saves and intercepted several other dangerous scoring chances. Her marquee stop came with just under 17 minutes left and the Bearcats protecting the 2-1 lead. The Bonnies' top goal scorer, Lauren Hill, broke in on the left side and had a clear shot from 12 yards out. Hatziyianis, however, charged to cut off the angle and made a diving save to her left on a ball headed toward the lower corner. Â
St. Bonaventure held an 11-5 shot advantage.
Binghamton hosts Canisius at 6 p.m. next Friday at the Bearcats Sports Complex.
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