VESTAL, N.Y. – Senior midfielder Noah Luescher scored a pair of goals, powering Binghamton (1-0-0, 1-0-0 AE) to a 2-1 win over Albany (0-1-1, 0-1-0 AE) in an America East men's soccer game on Friday afternoon at the Bearcats Sports Complex. The victory marked the Bearcats' first competition in 475 days as the current season was postponed from last fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luescher now has a pair of two-goal performances during his career. He also scored twice in the 2019 season opener against Canisius. In four season opening games during his career, Luescher has now scored five goals.

With the score tied at 1-1 in the 66th minute, Luescher was fouled just outside the box and was awarded a free kick. He then fired it into the upper-left hand corner of the net, giving the Bearcats a lead that they would not relinquish.

Earlier in the game, Luescher broke scoreless tie in the 29th minute. He took a throw in by sophomore back Michael Bush who aimed the ball behind the Great Dane defense. Luescher was in position to score from close range.

Hafliði Sigurðarson of Albany tied the game early in the 59th minute with an unassisted goal. In a scramble at the goal line, he got the ball over the line before it was kicked away. The officials conferred afterwards and determined that it was a good goal.
Binghamton kept up the pressure after Luescher's goal, outshooting the Great Danes 4-1 during the remainder of the match. For the game, the Bearcats held a 9-7 shot advantage.

"I am just thrilled that we got to play today with all that is going on the world," head coach Paul Marco said. "The guys put in a terrific performance and I was really proud of them. We are unsure of what we were going to look like since it's been a while since we played, so it was an outstanding performance."

Sophomore goalkeepers Mats Roorda and P.J. Parker each played a half for the Bearcats and recorded a save.

Binghamton travels to NJIT next Friday for a 5 p.m. conference match.

NOTES: Luescher is the first Binghamton player to score twice in a game since Oliver Svalander against Stony Brook on Oct. 19, 2019 ... Binghamton is now 4-2-0 in its last six season-opening matches.