WEST POINT, N.Y. - Host Army scored twice in the second half, including the game-winner in the 75th minute as the undefeated Black Knights (3-0-1) dealt Binghamton women's soccer (1-1-1) a 2-1 loss Friday afternoon at Malek Stadium at Clinton Field. 

After a scoreless first half, senior forward Kayla Saager put BU ahead 1-0 with a goal just 58 seconds into the second half. Saager tracked down a pass from sophomore defender Erin Theiller in the box and after her initial shot was blocked by a rushing Army keeper, she knocked home the rebound for her second goal of the season.

But Army began to control play amid high temperatures and the Black Knights scored the equalizer in the 53rd minute after a defensive giveaway on the right side. An ensuing cross was momentarily cleared before Army reserve Kali Rosenberger drilled the rebound into the empty net. Rosenberger then scored the game-winner 22 minutes later after breaking down the left side. Her chip over a rushing Mackenzie Hanna found the net with just 15:30 remaining.

"Today was a hard fought game," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "We knew Army would be a very competitive opponent that would play with high end pressure and energy and we had to maintain our possession and composure through that. We did that at times but not enough for the duration of 90 minutes. We know we are capable of breaking down opponents with our quality but we didn't do that consistently enough today and credit must also go to Army's system and play. But we will be a better team from this. We will move on and get ready for another quality team come Sunday."

Army held a 14-7 shots advantage and took the only five corner kicks in the game.

Freshman keeper Haylee Poltorak made three saves in a clean first half in goal. 

In the first half, Army held a 6-3 advantage in shots but the Bearcats had the best scoring opportunity in the 23^rd minute. A loosely struck Black Knights' back pass was intercepted by Saager on the left side of the box. Saager weaved her way toward goal but her shot from 12 yards was deflected wide by a diving Army keeper.

The Black Knights had a hard strike bank off the right post with just under four minutes left in the half. Saager nearly had another 1-v-1 break with just 2:44 remaining in the opening period. Junior defender Sam O'Malley made a nice play to gain possession in BU's defensive third and she sent a long ball to a breaking Saager, who was promptly pulled down from behind as she steamrolled toward the box. No card was awarded, however, and BU lost a golden scoring opportunity.

Play was halted midway through each half when the heat index necessitated a break in action.     

Binghamton returns home to host MAAC member Iona at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Bearcats Sports Complex.


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