VESTAL, N.Y. – It was a historic day in the 12-year history of the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Sophomore midfielder Noah Luescher had a goal and an assist, powering Binghamton (3-5-2, 2-0-0 AE) to a 2-1 win over No. 23 New Hampshire (6-2-1, 1-1-0 AE) in an America East men's soccer game on Saturday afternoon. The attendance of 3,265 fans is the largest attendance in facility history and the victory was the Bearcats' first-ever over a nationally-ranked Division I team on its home turf.

Binghamton has now defeated six nationally-ranked opponents during its 17-year NCAA Division I era. It's most recent triumph was a 1-0 win at then No. 28 Ohio State on Aug. 30, 2015. New Hampshire entered Saturday's match ranked No. 23 in both major polls (United Soccer Coaches and College Soccer News).

With the victory, the Bearcats are off to their first 2-0-0 start in America East play since 2014. They are also 1-0-1 against nationally-ranked teams this season, having tied then No. 18 Colgate 1-1 at home back on Sept. 14.

"I thought we were spectacular today," head coach Paul Marco said. "The guys stuck to the game plan and the goals we scored were terrific. The conference is extremely tight and all the games are very close, so it's good for us to be 2-0."

After a scoreless first half, Luescher took a free kick in the 51st minute 25 yards from the goal. Flesch was stationed in front of the goal and his initial shot hit the post. He got his own rebound, however, and knocked it into the net. It marked Flesch's second consecutive game with a goal.
In the 66th minute, Luescher padded the lead to 2-0 on a strike from just outside the box. Senior midfielder Connor McKnight was credited with the assist.

At the other end of the field, redshirt junior goalkeeper Chris Shutler made three saves during the match, including two from close range, to preserve the win. The lone goal scored by New Hampshire came on a penalty kick by Josh Bauer in the 86th minute.

The attendance of 3,265 fans broke the previous facility record of 2,604, which was set against Rhode Island during the Oct. 3, 2009 Homecoming game.

"I thought the (Binghamton University) Family Association did a great job getting people to come to the game today," Marco said. "We could feel the excitement all during the game."

Luescher now has two goals and two assists in the last three games.

Binghamton heads to West Virginia on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. non-conference game.

NOTES: For the season, Luescher now has two goals, a team-best four assists and is tied for the team lead with six total points. McKnight has two goals and two assists (also six points).