November 13, 2022

Thank You

This is our final Men's Soccer Daily Update post of the 2022 season. And it's the toughest one to write.

It's been three days since the Bearcats' season came to an end at No. 22 New Hampshire in the America East semifinals. But the feelings of disappointment should give way to pride for Binghamton. What a turnaround season this was and there a lot to build upon for the future.

But this post is about thanking those people who helped make our job of covering the Bearcats to the extend that have so easy.

Thanks, first of all, to Coach Marco and the team, for always granting us the access we needed.

Thanks to Zach Clark, for his terrific videos and to Laney Harbaugh for her photos.

A huge thanks to Angelica Gonzales for her work with the Instagram reels. Also thanks to Grace Davis and Josh Greenberg, who also took over social media during parts of the season.

This ends our 15th season of doing the Men's Soccer Daily Update, and we hope it has been a valuable source of information during the 2022 season.

Sincerely,

David O'Brian



November 10, 2022

Final Thoughts Before UNH

For the first time since 2015, Binghamton is in the America East semifinals. The Bearcats are at New Hampshire for a 6 p.m. match tonight.

Here are a few final things to go over before kickoff:

The Bearcats held another America East Tournament media day on Tuesday. Click here for WIVT's coverage.

We got some more alumni greetings to the team as they head into their match at New Hampshire. Check out this one from 2008 alum Adam Chavez:

"It's great to see the boys in the post season again. The season is full of ups and downs but it's how the team comes together at the end that will determine the years success. I've been lucky to always be part of an amazing team in the postseason and it's a different experience. I look forward to this group getting together to give it their all and keep the season going!"

A Familiar Face

Tonight's announcer for the AE semifinals on ESPN+ will be Travis Eldridge, the former sports director at WBNG here in Binghamton. We caught up with him yesterday to talk with him about the state of the team heading into the match against UNH.

Eldridge did a great job during his years here in Binghamton and he was a regular out at our media days and several home games.

It was good to reconnect with him again and we wish him a good broadcast tonight.

Posted November 10, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
November 9, 2022

Road Trip to UNH

The Bearcats left this morning for New Hampshire and beforehand, we caught up with some of the players to get their final thoughts. Click here for an interview with Carlo Cavalar and click here for an interview with Anthony Lazaridis.

Social Media Updates

Click here for some photos of Binghamton's training session on Tuesday night, courtesy of our team Instagram page. Kudos to Laney Harbaugh for taking the great pics.

Also, click here for the video of the bus leaving for UNH this morning.

Alumni Greetings

We caught up with 2012 alum Jake Keegan, who now played for the Greenville Triumph of USL League One. Keegan has been following the Bearcats closely and is excited about how the team has progressed this season.

"It's great to see the men's soccer team doing so well this year," he said. "I've been following them closely and still remain in contact with Paul, Tommy and Adam so I could not be happier for them. Hopefully, the squad can perform well in the semifinals against a tough UNH squad."

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 9, 2005

Binghamton beats UMBC 4-1 on the road in the America East semifinals. Peter Sgueglia tallies three assists in the victory.

Posted November 9, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



November 8, 2022

Long Time, No See

Today's post goes way back in time, to over a decade ago.

Binghamton and New Hampshire squared off three times in the America East Tournament between 2004-10. They have, however, not meet since.

Back in 2010, Barack Obama was in his first term as the President of the United States, a gallon of gas cost $2.79 and the current Bearcat men's soccer senior class was in the fourth grade. It's been that long since Binghamton and New Hampshire have met in an America East men's soccer playoff game.

There were plenty of story lines in the three previous post season meetings between the two programs. Here were the biggest ones:

2004
America East Quarterfinals
Binghamton 0, New Hampshire 0
Binghamton wins in PKs 3-2

The Bearcats still played at the West Gym Field, which was in such terrible shape due to heavy rains in the preceding days. As a result, the match was moved to the adjacent practice field.

At the end of the fourth frame of the shootout, the score was tied 2-2. In the fifth frame, Stefan Gonet made the shot on a penalty kick and then made the save in the bottom of the frame to secure the result.

Sports information director John Hartrick captured both attempts in the frame – and the only thing that was the same in both photos that he took was the Texas Road House restaurant in the background.

2008
America East Quarterfinals
Binghamton 3, New Hampshire 1

Momentum was low for Binghamton heading into this match. The Bearcats missed out on a chance to lock up a first-round bye with a 1-0 loss to Maine the previous week. They had trouble scoring at the end of the season.  And UNH, as always, was a tough, defensive squad.

In one of the best postseason performances of his career, Cameron Keith had a goal and two assists as the Bearcat offense got back on track. That victory propelled them to their sixth consecutive trip to the America East semifinals.

2010
America East Quarterfinals
New Hampshire 1, Binghamton 0

Like Binghamton and UMBC this year, the Bearcats and Wildcats played each other twice in a row.

Binghamton needed to win its regular-season finale to lock up the No. 4 seed and a first-round home game against New Hampshire. All the Wildcats needed, however, was a tie to host the Bearcats in the first round. It took a goal by Tommy Klim in double overtime, but the Bearcats were able to clinch the home game.

Unfortunately, New Hampshire was the beneficiary of an own goal in the America East quarterfinal meeting and they escaped with a 1-0 victory.

Thursday's meeting will be the first time the Bearcats and Wildcats play a postseason match at New Hampshire. It will also mark the first time they have played the semifinals.

It will be a new twist in a post-season series that returns after 12 years.

Social Media Update

Click here for Hartrick's photo of Gonet's 2004 save - with the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in the background - courtesy of our Binghamton Athletics Facebook Page.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 8, 2014

Speaking of shootout wins, it was eighth years ago today that the Bearcats won the decisive shootout against Stony Brook at home in their quarterfinal game. The two teams had played to a 1-1 tie.

Click here for the recap.
 
Posted November 8, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



November 7, 2022

What A Weekend

Saturday night's victory at UMBC was arguably the Bearcats' biggest and most impressive win since 2015. Faced with a rematch against the Retrievers on their turf, Binghamton came from a goal down and held on to a one-goal lead to advance to the America East semifinals on Thursday at New Hampshire.

It was the biggest win since Binghamton downed top-seeded Albany 1-0 in the 2015 America East semifinals.

We caught up with some of the players on the bus ride home to get their reaction.

"There's not much I can say i mean our performance really showed that we were up for it tonight it was a hard-fought match and we're so happy to come away with a victory. UMBC has been really good at home this season so we knew it was going to be a hard match coming in to it but we played so well. I'm so proud of this group and how far we've come and progressed since the beginning of the season it's been a joy to captain these lads."

- Will Noecker
 
"I am so proud of the way our guys battled tonight. We knew nothing would come easy and we would have to fight for every chance we could get. It was an amazing team performance and showed the will and determination that get gotten us this far."

- Anthony Lazaridis
 
Hats Off To the BU Women's Soccer Team

The Bearcat women's team saw their season come to an end against New Hampshire in the America East finals. The two teams played to a 4-4 tie before the Wildcats won the decisive shootout 3-2.
Binghamton showed true grit, storming back from a 4-1 halftime deficit to score three times in the second half.

Click here for a photo of the men's soccer team at the match, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of Saturday's match at UMBC.

The Last Time It Happened….

It's been a while since Binghamton scored 10 goals in three matches. In fact, we had to go all the way back to 2004 to find such a run.

From Oct. 16-24 of that season, the Bearcats scored 3, 3 and 4 goals in three consecutive matches – all of them being victories.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 7, 2015

Binghamton's last America East quarterfinal win came seven years ago to the day. Pascal Trappe scored in double overtime as the Bearcats won 3-2 at Stony Brook.

Posted November 7, 2022 at 11 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


November 4, 2022

Kudos to the BU Women's Team

On Tuesday night at the men's soccer team's post-game tailgate, Lilli McKnight had a final word for the team before she left. As the mother of Parker McKnight as well as current women's soccer standouts Olivia and Victoria McKnight, she has had her hands full going to both sets of matches this fall. Following Tuesday night's win over UMBC, Lilli knew what to tell the men's team.

"I better see all of you out there on Thursday night," she said.

Thursday night was the women's soccer team's semifinal match against Albany. In one of the most dramatic events ever held at the Bearcats Sports Complex, the women's soccer team won the decisive penalty kick shootout 3-2 to advance to Sunday's America East title game. The Bearcats and Great Danes had played to a 3-3, double-overtime tie which led to the decisive shootout.

Click here to watch the final shot of the shootout – and the celebration that followed.

If Lilli has her way, the men's team will be back in the stands on Sunday to cheer on the women's team in the title game against New Hampshire.

But before that, there is a match at UMBC to attend to.

Sounds Bites

We caught up with Parker McKnight and Sean Fitzgerald before the bus left for UMBC today. They shared their thoughts on the upcoming match at UMBC – and the women's dramatic win last night.

Click here for McKnight's interview and click here for Fitzgerald's interview, courtesy of our team twitter account. 

Three Years Later …

We asked Mats Roorda after media day what he remembers most about the last time the Bearcat men's team was in the America East Tournament. In the 2019 quarterfinals, Binghamton traveled to Hartford.

"I remember the atmosphere up there," he said. "It was different than the regular season and was something I'll never forget. It's great to be back this year and I have a great appreciation for being in the playoffs now than I did back then."

Roorda had one other note to bring up – something that we actually neglected to mention in our match preview online.

"That was the same thing as now – we faced Hartford in the final game of the season and played them again in the first round. This time we face UMBC twice in a row."

For the record, Hartford won both matches – a trend Binghamton hopes to continue this weekend having won on Tuesday against UMBC.

Social Media Update

Click here for the video of the team bus leaving for UMBC today, courtesy of our men's soccer Instagram page.

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

Binghamton won the 2006 America East title by defeating Vermont 1-0 in overtime. Barry Neville converted a penalty kick with 50 seconds left in the first sudden-death period to lock up the win.That  victory took place at the old West Gym Field and remains the last time that a Binghamton men's or women's team won a conference title.

Maybe that changes on Sunday. Maybe

Posted November 4, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
November 3, 2022

Postseason Press Conference

With the Bearcats returning to the post season for the first time in three years, it was time on Thursday to welcome back other tradition – postseason media day. Head coach Paul Marco and selected players met with the local media on Thursday afternoon to discuss the Bearcats' upcoming trip to UMBC.

A sidebar on the three local TV stations – they usually stay for one half during a home match before having to leave for other events in the local area. Many times, they miss the lone goal or two of the game. On Tuesday against UMBC, they stayed for the first half. Thanks to Shawn Coles, they got all the highlights they needed.

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the UMBC victory on Tuesday.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Speaking of the Local Media, here are their reports from the win on Tuesday. Click each of the links to access them.

WBNG
FOX-40
WIVT

The Last Time it Happened…

Binghamton is looking its first America East Tournament win since 2015, when it beat Albany 1-0 in the semifinals. Logan Roberts netted the game winner in the second half.

Click here for the recap of that match.

Social Media Update

Click here for photos from today's America East Tournament media day, courtesy of our team instagram account. 

The Rest of the Tournament

Click here for the complete America East Tournament bracket, courtesy of our team twitter account.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 3, 2007

Binghamton won their second straight America East regular-season title with a 1-0 win during a downpour at Stony Brook. Barry Neville scored the game-winning goal in the 42nd minute.

Posted November 3, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
 
 November 1-2, 2022

Finishing Strong

Exactly one year ago, the Binghamton men's soccer team played its final regular-season match of the year at home. It came against Vermont and was a must-win contest to get into the playoffs. The Bearcats lost that game 4-1 for its seventh straight setback. A season that started with a 7-2-0 run ended in heartbreak.

On Tuesday night, the Bearcats played their final regular-season home match against UMBC. This time, the Bearcats had already clinched a spot in the America East Tournament and the only thing at stake was what seed they would be. Binghamton took matters into its own hands, defeating the visiting Retrievers 4-2. With the victory, the Bearcats ended the regular-season on a 5-2-2 stretch.

The contrast was stark. In a span of just 365 days, Binghamton had been transformed from a team that didn't win a match for nearly a full calendar year to a group that expected to win. In fact, its only two set backs during that 5-2-2 run came against a pair of nationally-ranked teams (Cornell and New Hampshire).

"Every team wants to be playing their best soccer in October and into November and its really amazing that this year has worked out so well," Carter Beaulieu said. "It hasn't happened in recent years that much, so we are really looking forward to the playoffs."

"It's a sign of maturity," Ethan Homler said. "We have grown up and we know what to expect from playing so many more matches."

From Famine to Feast

Homler hadn't scored a goal all season until five games ago. Now he has four goals during that stretch. While it was easy to get discouraged, Homler never lost his confidence in his scoring touch.

"I knew the goals would come," he said. "And when you haven't scored in a while, they tend to come in bunches."

Leading Role

Binghamton held out starting center back Michael Bush from the UMBC match due to a high card count. That put Beaulieu in a leading role defensively. He filled in for Bush and played perhaps the most meaningful match of his career.

"We know that Carter works very hard and he did an outstanding job tonight," Mats Roorda said. "We were confident he would fill in well."

On to the Playoffs

Before Binghamton heads down to UMBC, they have another playoff match to attend to. The Bearcat women's squad, which is the No. 1 seed in the America East Tournament, hosts Albany at 6 p.m.

"Of course we will be there," Beaulieu said. "We are looking forward to the match and want to get as many people out to support them as possible."

The women's team easily been more vocal in the stands this season at the men's games than vise versa. We asked Beaulieu if that would change on Thursday.

"We're going to try," he said. "But we really appreciate everything that they have done for us during our home matches."

On the Menu

Normally, the men's team doesn't stick around for post-game tailgates for mid-week games in November. But a victory combined with a 60-degree night made it an exception on Tuesday night.

The ziti pasta and Swedish meatballs were both a hit, along with the Nirchi's Pizza and KFC. And of course, the homemade chocolate chip cookies were outstanding as always.

On that note, a big thank you to all the families who made us feel welcome at the event during the year – which gave us the energy to finish up our stories.

Kudos

The biggest "thank you" from this end is for interns Grace Davis and Angelica Gonzales, who were terrific at all of the home matches this year. Keely Hofvling and Josh Greenberg also filled in well.

Click here for a post-match photo of our crew, courtesy of my own Instagram account.

Up Next…

Unlike past years, the Men's Soccer Daily Update will continue past the regular season. And we will begin with our post season media day on Thursday.

Posted November 1, 2022 at 12:15 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 31, 2022

Weekend Wrap Up

For the first time since 2019, Binghamton is in the America East Tournament. Unlike the past two years, where the Bearcats were in a do-or-die situation in their final regular-season match, Tuesday night is all about trying to move up in the standings.

We caught up with the team on the way back from Rhode Island to get their reaction to the result at Bryant:

"Friday's game was obviously massive as it put us into the playoffs. Unfortunately, it wasn't the cleanest soccer we've played but we got the job done. It also gave us some confidence going into our last regular season game."

Devin Heanue

"We are obviously super excited to have clinched playoffs after a hard-fought stretch of conference games and a convincing win at Bryant. We know there is still a lot of work to be done to accomplish something even more meaningful but we are all in to do it."

Sean Fitzgerald

"It was a great result and we're happy to have clinched a spot in the playoffs with the performance we put in. We competed hard for 90 minutes which is something we've been working on as the season has progressed. I'm also happy to get a goal as well. We still have a lot of work to do so we're looking forward to the match on Tuesday and then the playoffs the following weekend."
 
Will Noecker
 
Congrats to the BU Women's Team
 
Meanwhile, the Binghamton women's team has clinched its first regular-season title since 2004 and will host Albany on Thursday at 6 p.m. in a conference semifinal match.
 
Should the Bearcats win, they will host the title game on Sunday afternoon.
 
This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 31, 2009
 
Binghamton defeats UMBC 4-0 on Senior Day at the Bearcats Sports Complex to clinch the No. 4 seed and a first round America East playoff game. Unfortunately, UMBC returned the following week and won 2-1.
 
Posted October 31, 2022 at 11 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 28, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Bryant

The America East has let us know of the criteria needed for Binghamton to clinch a berth in the upcoming conference tournament today. There are two scenarios:

- A victory COMBINED WITH a draw OR Loss by NJIT
- A tie COMBINED WITH losses or ties by both NJIT and UMass Lowell

Meanwhile, we caught up with the team to get their final thoughts heading into today:

"The guys are ready for the game. We know the magnitude of winning the match so we are very focused on putting in a good performance and getting the result."

- Ethan Holmer

"The team is ready and looking forward to the match!"

- Carter Beaulieu

"We're looking forward battling for  a spot in the tournament tomorrow and set ourselves up for a good match on Tuesday."

- Carlo Cavalar

Posted October 28, 2022 at 11 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


October 27, 2022

Odds and Ends

A few things to go over as the Bearcats make their way to Bryant:

We caught up with Mats Roorda before the team left this morning to get his take on the Bearcats this past week in training. Click here for the interview.

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap from the New Hampshire match.

Around the America East

Although the Bearcats are in position to clinch a berth in the America East Tournament with a win at Bryant, there will still be plenty of scoreboard watching on Friday. Click here for the other conference matches plus the links to the live stats. 

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 27, 2007

Binghamton beats Albany 3-0 at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Posted October 27, 2022 at 2:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




October 24-25, 2022

Weekend Wrap

A busy weekend of soccer for the Bearcats. Let's go over a bunch of topics today:

Playoff Picture

We haven't gotten the official word from the America East but Binghamton appears to need a win in one of its final two matches to clinch a spot in the upcoming conference tournament. The Bearcats are firmly entrenched in fifth place in the America East standings with the top six teams qualifying for postseason.

Click here for the current America East standings.

Sound Bites

We caught up with Will Mahoney after training on Monday to get his thoughts about the past two road matches. Click here to access the interview.

Social Media Update

Click here for a photo gallery from our match at New Hampshire on Saturday, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Senior Day, Part 2

Parker McKnight was back at the Bearcats Sports Complex on Sunday for a Senior Day match against UMass Lowell. Sound familiar?

This wasn't his Senior Day – rather it was his sisters' Olivia and Victoria. Not only was Parker on hand to witness it but so too was older brother Connor, who played for the Bearcats from 2013-16.

"It was great to have the family all together in one place," Parker said. "It doesn't happen much."

In one of the wildest men's or women's soccer matches ever to be played at the Bearcats Sports Complex, Binghamton outlasted UMass Lowell 5-4. Olivia McKnight recorded her first career hat trick. The victory helped the Bearcats maintain a share for first place in the America East.

"I'm so happy for Olivia getting the hat trick on top of a win," Parker said. It was a huge game for them and they played amazingly well."

The next few weeks figure to be very hectic with potentially both Binghamton soccer teams taking part in the playoffs. Staying in touch, however, won't be a problem for the McKnight siblings.

"My sisters and I are very close and are always finding a way to stay in touch," Parker said. "It will be easy for us to stay in contact with each other during the rest of the season."

By the Numbers

The nine goals yesterday represent the most total goals scored in a women's soccer game at the Bearcats Sports Complex. The men's mark is also nine goals – set earlier this season in the Bearcats 8-1 win over Hartford.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 24, 2015

Pascal Trappe helps his own cause on Senior Day, converting a second-half penalty kick to give the Bearcats a 2-1 win over UMBC. With the win, the Bearcats hold on to first place in the America East.

Click here for the recap.

Speaking of Family...

You might have noticed that this Daily Update edition covers today and tomorrow. With a family obligation tomorrow, we are taking off and we be back on the beat Wednesday.

Posted October 24, 2022 at 9 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 21, 2022

Final Thoughts Before The Weekend

We caught up with the Bearcats before they left for Durham this morning. Here were some of their thoughts heading into Saturday night's match.

"After a tough loss like Tuesday against Cornell it is important not to forget that we had great momentum before the game. It is important to not let this one game change the momentum or atmosphere within the group. There were a lot of positives to take from the game, especially during the first half. However, we must learn from our mistakes during the second half and keep fighting."

- Mats Roorda
 
"Cornell on Tuesday was definitely a test for us and we held our own for the most part against a ranked team. So we can take a lot from the match and build off it going into the important three conference games coming up."

- Sean Fitzgerald

America East Playoff Chase

Click here for the current America East standings, which has the Bearcats sitting in fifth place – just two points out of third place.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 21, 2006

It was perhaps the biggest tie in program history. Needing only a point to clinch their first-ever regular-season title, the Bearcats played Vermont to a 0-0 deadlock at the old West Gym Field. That match marked the final Senior Day at the Bearcats old facility.

Posted October 21, 2022 at 12:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


October 20, 2022

Chance Meeting

Senior goalkeeper Mats Roorda was coming into the meeting room at halftime of the Bearcats' Homecoming match against Albany two weeks ago. Before he went into the meeting room, however, he was in for an expected encounter.

Roorda is originally from the Netherlands and earlier in the day, his fellow countrymen Sven Vloedgraven was inducted into the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame. Vloedgraven -a 2012 Binghamton alum - starred for the Bearcats in tennis, winning a pair of ITA Northeast Region titles and leading the squad to four straight America East Conference titles.

Vloedgraven – along with fellow inductee Roger Neel were on their way out to the field to be honored during a halftime ceremony when Roorda was coming off the same field. Sports Information Director John Hartrick made it a point to introduce the two to each other and snap a photo when they crossed paths.

Interestingly enough, Vloedgraven's family was aware of Roorda's father being a pretty good goalkeeper in the past. That led to a brief few moments of conversation before they went in opposite directions.

"I can say that it doesn't happen very often that you run into someone who is also from the Netherlands and who was a student-athlete at Binghamton," Roorda said. "Unfortunately, we only spoke for a short period of time but I would love to hear about the stories Sven experienced and how he got to Binghamton."

Social Media Update

Click here for the photo of Vloedgraven and Roorda, courtesy of our team Instagram account. Special thanks to Hartrick for snapping it.

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with senior back Michael Bush following training on Thursday afternoon, courtesy of our team twitter account.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 20, 2007

The last time a Binghamton player recorded a hat trick occurred 15 years ago today. That would be Cameron Keith, who scored three times in a 5-0 win over Maine at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Posted October 20, 2022 at 4 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




October 19, 2022

Final Notes from Cornell Match

Some things to go over from last night's match at No. 21 Cornell:

By The Numbers

Ethan Homler now has 10 career goals, counting last night's first-half goal against the No. 21 Big Red. He is the first Binghamton player this season to score goals in back-to-back games.
Homler becomes the sixth Binghamton player to score at least twice this season.

Will Noecker tallied an assist on Homler's goal. He becomes the 14th different Binghamton player to register at least one point so far this season.

In Binghamton's two matches against nationally-ranked opponents, they have not surrendered a first-half goal. In fact, the earliest goal they have allowed has been in the 56th minute.

Social Media Update

A new one here – the Binghamton Athletics Tiktok account featured the Bearcats leaving for their match at Cornell yesterday. Click here to access it.

Kudos to Laney Harbaugh and Zach Clark for putting this together.

Also kudos to Eldon Lindsey of Cornell for the photos he sent us after the match. Click here to access them, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Good Luck Jake Keegan!

Not to look ahead too far - but on Oct. 29, it's not just Binghamton that has a match that day. Jake Keegan (Class of 2012) and  his Greenville Triumph host a second-round USL playoff match. The triumph earned a first-round bye last week. Click here for the update. 

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

Binghamton wins 1-0 at Stony Brook on a goal by Kyle Antos. The Seawloves, however, would win the rematch in the conference finals four weeks later. Antos netted a first-half goal in that match but the Seawolves deadlocked the match at 1-1 and then won in overtime.

Posted October 19, 2022 at 1 p.m
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 18, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Cornell

We caught up with head coach Paul Marco to get his thoughts before the match at Cornell tonight. Here were some of his comments:

"I think that we've been able to progress in the attacking half of the field over the last couple of weeks. The guys' confidence and fitness have improved – so I think those are two areas that have led to our success recently. We thought we were playing well at times earlier in the year but perhaps we were a little unlucky."

"I though the guys responded pretty well after UMass Lowell got a goal back on Saturday. It was a full volley that led to the goal but again, I thought our guys responded pretty well."

"I think the focus during this next of road games is to make sure the guys are all well-rested and well prepared for each match that we play."

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap from the UMass Lowell match.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 18, 2008

Cameron Keith scored midway through the second half as Binghamton beats Vermont 1-0 before a sold-out Bearcats Sports Complex and a regional television crowd watching on Time Warner Sports. The match took place on Homecoming Weekend.

Posted October 18, 2002 at 12:00 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 17, 2022

Senior Day Wrap Up

In Binghamton's first Senior Day win since 2019, it put together one of its most complete conference victories of the past few seasons. The Bearcats are now unbeaten in their last five matches (3-0-2), their longest streak since going 5-0-0 to start the 2007 season.

Plenty to go over from Saturday's 4-1 victory:

Family Ties

Rory Anderson had one of the most memorable walkouts we've seen on Senior Day. With his family from Scotland unable to make it, he asked if all nine players who were part of his freshman class three years ago could walk him out as a group. As he stated to us on Friday, those players have become his family on campus.

Statistical Question

With four goals, we had to make sure we got all of the assists right. The third goal, scored by Matthew Cozetti on a penalty kick, was the easiest to keep the stats on.

But when we ran into head coach Paul Marco after the match and asked him if we were good with the stats, he grinned and ask us "who did you give the assist to on Cozetti's goal?"

If we could – we'd have given it to fellow Senior Day honoree Parker McKnight, who drew the foul in the box to set up the penalty kick.

When we talked to McKnight after the match and he thought that would be a good idea.

Coach Marco, meanwhile, had a definite opinion.

"Definitely," he said. "Parker really took one for the team."

Oh well….

Statistical Rankings

Although Mats Roorda didn't get his fourth shutout of the season, he continues to move up in the America East rankings. Currently, he is second in save percentage and third in goals against average.

Click here for the rankings.

Let's Go To the Videotape

Although Binghamton scored four times on Saturday, several players pointed to Roorda's save from close range in the opening minutes as a pivotal point in the match.

Click here for the save, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Conference Standings

With three matches left in the regular season, Binghamton is in the thick of the America East standings. Vermont and New Hampshire are the clear top two teams in the conference. Still, the Bearcats sit in fifth place and are just two points out of third place.

Click here for the current conference standings.

Sound Bites

We caught up with Anthony Lazaridis after training on Monday. Click here for the interview.

On the Menu

A heavy dose of Italian food, featuring penne pasta and garlic knots at the post game tailgate on Saturday. Extra points for the Senior Day cake that was presented to the four honorees after the game.

Click here for a photo of the four seniors with the cake, courtesy of our team twitter page.

Social Media Update

Click here for some game photos from the UMass Lowell match, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 17, 2022

Binghamton wins 2-1 at Bucknell. Kurt Wesh netted the game winner in the 76th minute.

Click here for the recap.

This Day in Baseball History: October 17, 1983

Sorry, I had to put this one in here.

I grew up a Baltimore Orioles fan and watched 39 years ago as they won the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. They won the decisive fifth game 5-0.

Click here for the final out. 

Posted October 17, 2022 at 3:24 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 


October 14, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Senior Day

A few final things before tomorrow's Senior Day match:

We caught up with Ethan Homler after Friday's training session. Click here to view the interview.

Click here for photos from our past Senior Day matches, courtesy of our team Instagram account. 

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History (October 14, 2015).

A huge 2-1 win on the road at New Hampshire. Logan Roberts broke a 1-1 tie in the 70th minute. Click here for the recap.

Congrats BU Women's Soccer

Finally, a shout out to the women's soccer team on clinching a spot in the America East Tournament by virtue of their 3-1 win at Albany last night. Click here for the recap.

Posted October 14, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 12-13, 2022

Top Senior Day Matches

Saturday marks the 22nd Senior Day match since the Binghamton program moved up to the NCAA Division I level in 2001. With that in mind – it's time to look back at some of the most memorable Senior Day matches during that stretch.

2002

In Binghamton's first season in the America East, Graham Munro converted a pair of penalty kicks to give the Bearcats a 3-1 win over Stony Brook at the old West Gym Field.

2005

Peter Sgueglia scored in overtime as the Bearcats defeated Boston University 1-0. With the victory, the Bearcats clinched a first-round home match against – guess who – Boston University. Binghamton went to a shootout against the Terriers following a 1-1 draw. The Bearcats won the shootout 5-4 to advance to the semifinals four days later at UMBC.

2006
In perhaps the best tie in program history, Binghamton needed only a point against Vermont to clinch their first-ever America East regular-season title. The Bearcats got that by virtue of a 0-0 tie. Two weeks later, Binghamton beat the Catamounts 1-0 to win their second conference title in four years.

2011
In a match that was delayed a day due to a freak snowstorm, Binghamton defeated Boston University 5-1. Jake Keegan had two goals and an assist while current Bearcat assistant coach Adam Whitehead finished with a goal and two assists. The Terriers went on to win the regular-season title that year, making Binghamton's win all the more impressive.

2015

Pascal Trappe made his own senior day by converting a penalty kick in the Bearcats' 2-1 win over UMBC. The match, which was also played on Family Weekend, vaulted Binghamton into first place in the America East Conference.

It remains to be seen what this Saturday's match will bring compared to these other five classics.

2022, you are on the clock.

Posted on October 13, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 11, 2022

Playoff Time

The America East playoffs are still three weeks away but a former Bearcat is getting ready for his team's playoffs next week. Jake Keegan, a 2012 Binghamton alum, is currently playing with the Greenville (S.C.) F.C. of the United Soccer League (USL) League One. The Triumph is slated to begin postseason play on Oct. 22.

"USL League One is a very competitive league so making the playoffs is a great accomplishment for us," he said. "We have another game this weekend to hopefully lock up a first-round bye. The playoffs will then begin Oct 22 and the finals will be held Nov 6."

Even though Keegan is focused on his season, he continues to follow the current Binghamton squad.

"I definitely follow them closely," he said. "It's great to see how well they have done lately."

Keegan ranks sixth all time in Binghamton program history – and first during its 22-year NCAA Division I era – with 28 career goals. We asked him if he would be able to score off of Mats Roorda, who is the two-time reigning America East Defensive Player of the Week.

"Of course I would," he said.

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the match against Albany on Saturday.

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with Shawn Coles following Monday's training session, courtesy of our team Twitter account. 

Social Media Update

Click here for a photo of Keegan playing with Greenville F.C., courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Retro Tunes

Monday afternoon's music during training came courtesy of freshman Luke Yates and included many songs from the 1980s. This was music to head coach Paul Marco's ears.

"Luke's playlist was outstanding," he said. "It had everything from Michael Jackson to Pink Floyd, Tears for Fears, Wham, The Outfield and everything in between."

Over the years, Coach Marco has sometimes picked out the music for training and the players have dubbed his playlist the "P.M. Express". We asked him if the P.M. Express was on deck.

"Maybe tomorrow," he said. "But after today, I'd play a lot of techno music."

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 11, 2014

Derek Ladaeirous scores in the 80th minute as the Bearcats defeat New Hampshire 1-0 in their Family Weekend match to move to 2-0-0 in the America East. The contest was played before 1,753 fans.

Posted October 11, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


October 10, 2022

Homecoming Wrap Up

Plenty to go over as the Bearcats gained a point against one of the first-place teams in the America East on Saturday night.

As was the custom, the men's soccer team got a great send off at the Homecoming Tailgate prior to the match. Click here to view the video, courtesy of our team twitter account.

The crowd of 1,181 fans was the largest home attendance of the season. Click here for a photo, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

As always, it was great to have the BU Pep Band, the Screaming Green on hand Saturday night. Click here for the photo.

By the Numbers

The Bearcats' four game-unbeaten streak is their longest since going 3-0-1 from Sept. 18-Oct. 2 last season.

Heading into the week, Mats Roorda has now gone 179 minutes without allowing a goal. Since the Bearcats' 2-0 loss at Vermont back on Sept. 24, Roorda and the Bearcats have surrendered just two goals in their last four matches.

Speaking of Roorda, he has repeated as the America East Defensive Player of the Week. He is the first Bearcat to earn an America East weekly award since Harrison Weilbacher was the Rookie of the Week twice during the 2019 season.

Click here for the release.

First Impressions

We spoke to a few of the newcomers to get their impressions on the Homecoming atmosphere at Binghamton.

"It was a wonderful experience," Carlo Cavalar said. "I wasn't used to all of the noise and we had to be louder on the field as well. It pushed us for the entire 90 minutes."

"It was a great feeling to play in front of such a big crowd," Markos Touroukas said. "We were very excited to play tonight."

Kudos Again to Roger Neel

Not only did retired WNBF announcer Roger Neel get inducted into the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon but he was also honored during a halftime ceremony at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

During that halftime ceremony, Neel opened up his jacket to reveal a Binghamton jersey – much to the delight of the crowd. He is believed to have purchased that jersey at one of the past Homecoming Weekend tent sales.

Neel spent much of the night in the press box hoping for a Bearcat result.

Social Media Update

Great Homecoming reel put together by Grace Davis and Angelica Gonazles. Click here to view it.

On the Menu

The Homecoming tailgate did not disappoint as there were many appetizers the soccer families had available during the afternoon. The tortellini kabobs were the biggest hit.

As for post-game, the chocolate chip cake was the highlight.

Posted October 10, 2022 at 1:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
 
October 7, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Homecoming

Tomorrow marks the 15th time the Binghamton men's soccer program has hosted a Homecoming Weekend match at the Bearcats Sports Complex since the facility opened in 2007.

A lot of miscellaneous things to go over before kickoff.

Sound Bites

We caught up with Mats Roorda after training on Thursday to talk about Homecoming Weekend as wll as the recent victory at Bucknell. Click here for his interview, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Speaking of Roorda, he made the America East's Top Plays of the Week again for his diving save against NJIT last week. Click here to view it.

First Time Around …

We heard from 2007 alum Adam Chavez, who was part of the first Homecoming match at the Bearcats Sports Complex 15 years ago. You know that match – the epic 2-1 overtime thriller against Boston University. Here is what he remembers about that day:

"The stadium was packed, the energy was electric and the team was prepared. We were ready for a proper fight and we gave it our all that night and came out victorious. I remember the moment we scored the winner and the sense of relief I had. To win in front of a massive crowd and hearing the cheers from them all reminded me why I chose Binghamton. To be a winner. That's what my four years there was all about and I'll never forget the teammates who made all our success possible."

Pre-Game Thoughts

We talked to Coach Marco and some of the players on Thursday afternoon to get their take about Homecoming at Binghamton.

"There is a lot of school spirit on Homecoming Weekend. It is always good to see the students out there. The tailgate is always great too and we are looking forward to tomorrow."

- Michael Bush

"It's always been great to play on Homecoming Weekend. It has grown over the years and I always thoroughly enjoy coaching in it."

- Paul Marco

Two-Sport Athlete?

Mats Roorda might make the Plays of the Week again given his punt and assist against Bucknell on Tuesday. We asked Coach Marco – who is a fan of the New York Giants of the NFL – if Roorda should handle the kickoff duties for his favorite professional football team.

"No," he said bluntly. "He still has eligibility here."

Congratulations

This year, Homecoming isn't just a big weekend for the Bearcats. It also is for longtime WNBF morning host Roger Neel, who retired two years ago. This weekend, he is being inducted into the Binghamton University Athletic Hall of Fame. Since 1999 Neel was the play-by-play voice for the Bearcat men's basketball team and during his career, he highlighted many Binghamton programs on his morning show.

For years, Neel interviewed Coach Marco before Homecoming Weekend down at his studio – competed with breakfast from his favorite establishment – the Cider Mill.

On Friday after training, Neel paid the Bearcats a visit to wish them good luck, talk about his upcoming induction and present Coach Marco and the coaching staff with a certain breakfast.

Click here for the photo and video, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Congratulations to Roger Neel, a true class act in every way.

Elsewhere on Campus

The men's soccer team isn't the only Binghamton team on a roll heading into Homecoming Weekend. Both the women's soccer team and volleyball squad are in first place in the America East heading into home matches this weekend. Click here for the weekend preview of all the athletic events on Homecoming Weekend.

On a related note – before the team huddle breakdown following training on Friday – the leadership group reminded everyone to be at the volleyball match later that evening.

The Last Time it Happened …

If you have read the match preview for tomorrow night, you will know its been since 2016 that Binghamton won on Homecoming Weekend. So instead of a "This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History" post, click here for the link to that 3-0 win over Buffalo six years ago on Homecoming Weekend.

Stay tuned to see if Saturday's match is also a winner…

Posted October 7, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 

October 6, 2022

Homecoming Weekend – Best Matches

Although the Bearcats are on a roll heading into Homecoming Weekend – it's time to leave 2022 and look back on the past.

Since 2007, there have been 14^th Homecoming Weekend matches at the Bearcats Sports Complex – enough to compile our list of the Top 5 matches we've seen during that stretch.

Here is how things stand heading into the weekend:

5. 2009 – Binghamton 1, Rhode Island 1

It wasn't a win but a then facility-record of 2,604 fans showed up for this match. Jake Keegan's goal midway through the second half forced the tie. But it was the goal by Rhode Island that made this match stand out. Kevin Shaw broke a scoreless tie early in the second half and then promptly went over to the stands and took a bow.

4. 2013 – Binghamton 3, UMass Lowell 0

This match will always be remembered for Ben Nicholson's back flip after scoring just a few minutes into the Bearcats' match against the River Hawks. The late-arriving crowd may have missed it – but University Photographer Johnathan Cohen captured it perfectly and still rates it among his favorite photos.

3. 2016 – Binghamton 3, Buffalo 0

Binghamton's most recent Homecoming victory. Nikkos Psarras scored twice in the win. He was just the second Bearcat player to record a two-goal game on Homecoming. We will get to the other person shortly.

2. 2008 – Binghamton 1, Vermont 0

Before the first-ever sellout at the Bearcats Sports Complex – as well as a regional television audience – Binghamton moved into first place in the America East with a 1-0 win over the defending conference champions. Keith scored the goal midway through the second half.
Speaking of Keith .. let's move on to the top game.
 
1. 2007 – Binghamton 2, Boston 1 (OT)

Expect anything different?

Fourteen years later, the first-ever Homecoming match at the Bearcats Sports Complex remains the best. Keith scored both goals – including one in the final seconds of the first overtime period. The post- game celebration in which Keith and his teammates celebrated with the fans in the stands is the most iconic moment we've seen during a Homecoming Weekend match.

One reason that match won't be challenged – there is no overtime this year. Still, with a three-game unbeaten streak and first-place arch rival Albany visiting on Saturday, there is potential for a top Homecoming Weekend match.

Stay tuned.

Social Media Update

Click here for photos from past Homecoming matches – leading off with the 2007 match – courtesy of our team Instagram page.

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

The aforementioned top Homecoming match at the Bearcats Sports Complex happened 15 years ago today.

Posted October 6, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


October 5, 2022

Bucknell Wrap Up

Seldom has a match that started so bad ended so good. Such was the case last night in Binghamton's 2-1 win over Bucknell. The Bison scored 50 seconds into the match but a pair of goals by Anthony Lazaridis sealed the Bearcats' first road win of the year.

We caught up with the players on the bus ride home last night from Lewisburg to get their reactions:

"Getting on the score sheet is always great but getting a midweek win against a competitive team is what really matters. I think we are in a great spot right now and starting to hit our stride at just the right time. We can't wait to get after it again this weekend against a tough conference opponent."
 
Anthony Lazaridis

Tonight was a great result on the road tonight. The boys showed a lot of grit to come back and turn the game around to get the win."
 
Ethan Homler
 
"Tonight's win was big for the team especially after having a rough start and going down 1-0. The team responded well and came back to win 2-1, which is great heading into the weekend against Albany. The spirits are high and we're ready to get back to work and prepare for Saturday."
 
Parker McKnight
 
The Kick
 
Mats Roorda was named the America East Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. On Tuesday night, however, it was his offense that spurred the Bearcats' comeback. His long punt on a free kick went deep into Bucknell territory. It was headed by Homler and landed near a wide-open Lazaridis.

"I was happy to my head on the end of Mats' kick that sent Anthony in on goal," Homler said. "I think game by game the relationship Anthony and I have up top is getting stronger."
 
We asked Homler if Roorda should be moved up to the forward line to join he and Anthony.
 
"We need him to stay in goal," he replied.

Click here for the kick - and the goal. 
 
Second Time is the Charm

Lazaridis previously scored twice against NJIT last October. The Bearcats appeared have the game locked up with under five minutes left in regulation. From there, however, the Highlanders tied the match and then won it in overtime.
 
The two goals Lazaridis netted against NJIT were bittersweet. Not so last night at Bucknell, however.
 
"Getting the win is what matters the most," he said. "That's what makes the goals meaningful."

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's coverage of the Bearcats' scoreless draw at NJIT last Saturday.
 
Almost Homecoming
 
We will start our Homecoming coverage tomorrow – but click here for the athletic department's (and Binghamton University's) plans for this weekend.
 
Posted October 5, 2022 at 4:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 3-4, 2022

NJIT Wrap Up and Looking Ahead to Bucknell

We caught up with several of the players to get their thoughts on the match at NJIT on Saturday.

"Overall, I'm proud of the guys for the work ethic - especially the guys that came off the bench. It's very nice to have a good group of guys on the bench hungry to come on and to improve the quality of play during the game. Looking back at the fact we had the biggest chances, it is unfortunate we couldn't come back to Binghamton with three points. However, still proud of the boys for the resiliency and work ethic."

- Mats Roorda

"NJIT was a great game for us to play in. We felt that we matched up with them very well and could create a lot of chances. Coming away with a point wasn't the ultimate goal but definitely something to build on moving forward."

- Anthony Lazaridis

"I think the guys played well. Everyone competed and communicated well and unfortunately we weren't able to put one in but the defense and mats played great. I'm looking forward to this week and getting more results."

- Billy Clark

"I thought we played some of our best soccer against NJIT. We had some chances where we could have went up on them but they also had their chances. Still, it was great to come away with a point from a good team on the road. Now it's onto our next game for the win."

- Joe Spiries

"The performance last night was something to be proud of. We really dug in for all 90 minutes and put forth a hard effort against a good team that is hard to get points against especially when they are home. If a few balls take a slightly difference bounce we may have walked out of there with three points but we take the point and clean sheet and now are focused on the upcoming games."

-Michael Bush
 
Posted October 3, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 29-30, 2022

Thank You, Will Dunn

Although there is at least another month – and hopefully longer – left in the 2022 season, the Binghamton men's soccer program is saying good bye this week to a longtime member of their program. Will Dunn has been the Bearcat men's soccer trainer for over a decade. The match on Saturday at NJIT will be his final day before heading off to his next job outside of athletics.

Support staff – such as athletic trainers – work behind the scenes. But their work is fully appreciated within the program.

"Will has been excellent for us," head coach Paul Marco said. "He has helped our guys through tough times – and not just with injuries. He has also been someone that our team can go to and talk to. He will be surely missed. He has had a challenging job. He works a lot of hours behind the scenes and has been a big part of our success."

"I've spent a lot of time in the sports medicine room with Will and I'm sad to see him leave," Will Noecker said. "He was always ready to help and the program is going to miss him a lot."

"Will has put in so much time and effort helping multiple teams here at Binghamton," Sean Fitzgerald said. "From traveling with us on away trips, to just being outside for training every day, we are grateful for Will's commitment to our team and his help has not gone unappreciated. We all wish him the best of luck at his new job."

On Friday, the soccer team sent off Will in rare fashion. Click here to see it, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

A Personal Note

I have known Will Dunn for over a decade in my current line of work and I agree 100 percent with the team's sentiments on him. Like him, my job is behind the scenes with long hours involved, so I have an extra appreciation for what he has done.

He is a consummate professional – and an even better person.

All the best to you, Will. You deserve much success and happiness.

America East's Top Plays

The America East has posted its Top Plays of the Week and Mats Roorda has made the cut! Click here to view the video.

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with Sean Fitzgerald after Friday's training session, courtesy of our team twitter account. 

Press Clippings

Click here to view the Pipe Dream's recap of our win over Hartford on Tuesday.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 29, 2007

Since today is covering two days – let's go back 15 years ago yesterday, to the first-ever men's soccer match at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Cameron Keith recorded a hat trick and the Bearcats won 3-0 over Cornell.

Posted September 30, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 28, 2022

Hartford Wrap Up

Head coach Paul Marco said that during Tuesday's kick around before the match against Hartford, the team was working on finishing plays. Whatever they did must have worked.

In the Bearcats' highest scoring match since 1995, they beat Hartford 8-1.

The Last Time it Happened….

To put things in perspective, here is what was going on the world during the fall of 1995, the last time Binghamton scored eight goals in a match:

- Bill Clinton was in his first term as the President of the United States
- Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record with 2,131 consecutive games played
- The price of a gallon of gas was $1.08
- "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey was the number one song on Billboard's charts
- Toy Story was the number one movie in the U.S.
- The top three rated TV shows in the U.S. were ER, Seinfeld and Friends
- The current professional sports champions in the U.S. were the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Atlanta Braves (MLB), Houston Rockets (NBA) and New Jersey Devils (NHL)

Feeling Old Yet?

Social Media Update

Kudos to Angelica Gonzales for putting together this reel from last night, courtesy of our team Instagram page. Click here to view it.

In Case You Missed It…

Check out our top goals from last night, also courtesy of our team instagram page. Click here to view them.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here for FOX 40s recap of the match against Hartford.

On the Menu

Chicken enchiladas were the big hit of last night's post game tailgate along the sausage and peppers, subs and pizza.

Last night was also the first victory tailgate of the season.

We spoke to a newcomer today and he definitely noticed the difference.

"The vibe was so different last night after we won compare to previous weeks," he said. "It was great."

Posted September 28, 2022 at 5:35 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




September 27, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Hartford

We caught up with some of the players after Monday's training session to get their thoughts on the team heading into tonight's match against Hartford.

"It's always a good start to our matches to get a clean sheet in the first half of the last five games. Now we need to do the same for the entire match. I'm proud of the boys for what we've done defensively but we always want to do better."

Michael Bush

"We've been starting off the matches well and have created a solid base. Our team has good potential and we are looking to keep improving."

Carlo Cavalar

Posted September 27, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 26, 2022

Binghamton and Hartford

Tuesday night potentially marks the last time Binghamton and Hartford square off in men's soccer – at least for a while. With the Hawks in the process of dropping down to the NCAA Division III level, it will mark the end of one of the Bearcats' most storied America East rivalries. The Hawks left the America East following the 2021-22 academic year.

Since Binghamton joined the America East Conference in 2002, the two teams have had 25 meetings, including four instances in the post-season tournament.

There have been many memorable results both ways. Here then is our list of the most significant matches.

2003
There were two of them. In the regular season (Oct. 15), visiting Binghamton won 1-0 at Hartford on a breakaway goal by Stephen Bruce in the final minutes. In the semifinals at the old West Gym Field, Graham Munro converted a penalty kick in the 80th minute for the 1-0 win.

2006
In a game suspended over an hour by lightening late in the first half, Peter Sgueglia scored early in the match, lifting the Bearcats to a 1-0 win.

2013
Hartford wins 1-0 in overtime over the visiting Bearcats in the America East quarterfinals.

2014
Hartford wins 2-1 in overtime in the America East semifinals.

2017
Jack Muller scores in double overtime, lifting the Bearcats to a 1-0 win on the road.

2019
In the Bearcats most recent conference tournament match, the host Hawks prevailed 2-0 in the quarterfinal round.

For many, the biggest America East rivals of the Bearcats have been the traditional schools (Albany and Stony Brook), Boston University – before it left the conference in 2013 as well as Vermont.

But its only fitting before Tuesday night's match to remember the past two decades worth of games against Hartford. The Hawks have been a top-notch rival these past two decades.

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with Billy Clark following training on Monday.

Social Media Update

Click here for a video to see how training ended on Monday – courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Photo Dump

Kudos to Ryan Manley at Vermont for capturing these shots from Saturday's match.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 26, 2008

Cameron Keith scored in the second half as the Bearcats won 1-0 at Cornell.

Posted September 26, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 23, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Vermont

Binghamton opens its 21st season in the America East Conference as it heads to Vermont on Saturday. We caught up with some of the Bearcats after training on Thursday to get their thoughts heading into the match against the No. 22 Catamounts.

"I wouldn't say our record on paper is indicative of how we are performing as a group. Through tough times and after some tough results, everyone still has a positive attitude and is excited to move forward. Since the James Madison Tournament, we have really started to play better as a team and work harder for each other. We are playing a good style of soccer and getting many opportunities but we just haven't been able to pull out the result I feel we deserve in many of our games. However, I am confident in our team's ability moving forward into conference play. We start with a fresh 0-0 record this Saturday at Vermont for our first conference game and I really believe our ability as a team will begin to show as we move into the latter half of our season."

- Shawn Coles

"Everyone on the team is geared up and ready to go into our first conference game. Practices have been electric and everyone is ready to move forward. I think this Saturday will be a good test for us and no matter the result there will be positive takeaways."

- Joe Spires
 
Historically Speaking, Part 1

Binghamton is 5-2-1 in its last eight America East opening matches, having won its past two decisions. The last time the Bearcats opened up conference play at Vermont was in 2015, when they took a 2-1 decision. That match also marks the last Binghamton win over the Catamounts.

Click here for the recap

Historically Speaking, Part 2

Binghamton has played in seven America East championship games during its history. Three of them have been against Vermont. The Bearcats won 1-0 in 2006 but the Catamounts pulled out 1-0 victories in 2007 and 2015.

The Last Time it Happened….

Binghamton's last win over a nationally-ranked team came on Sept. 29, 2018. The Bearcats beat then No. 23 New Hampshire 2-1 before a sold-out home crowd on Family Weekend.

Click here for the recap

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 23, 2017

The last time Binghamton scored five goals came five years ago today.

Binghamton won 5-1 at Canisius. During that match, the Bearcats scored three times in a span of 2:30. Haris Brkovic had two of those goals.

Click here for the recap

Posted September 23, 2022 at 12:00 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
 



September 22, 2022

Making the Transition

Shawn Coles was a reserve at St. John's one year ago. Today, he is one of the top newcomers on the Binghamton men's soccer squad.
Unlike many players, Coles made the decision to transfer to Binghamton in the middle of the 2021-22 academic year. It was a decision motivated by several factors.

"There were a few reasons I transferred here," he said, "Mainly, I transferred to improve my abilities as a player while excelling academically. Binghamton has a great soccer program and I was confident I'd be coming into a competitive environment led by a great coaching staff. Binghamton's business school (SOM) is also an extremely good place to be to excel academically. Furthermore, my sister, who is currently a graduate student here, had nothing but positive things to say about her experience here at Binghamton, which definitely influenced my decision. Overall, transferring here seemed like a great opportunity to better myself while still staying relatively close to home."

Transferring in the middle of the academic year was uncommon but it was a choice Coles has no regrets making.

"I am glad I made the decision to transfer here during the spring season," he said. "It gave me the opportunity to really improve as an individual player and fit in with the team while acclimating to the new atmosphere. Spring season is very important in terms of growth and improvement leading up to the fall. Throughout the spring, I believe that we improved a lot as a team in many different aspects including fitness, and technical ability, and I am grateful to have been a part of that growth."

Coles was not the only player to transfer to Binghamton last winter. He was joined by fellow junior Joe Spires, who arrived from Manhattan College. In the Bearcats' match against Niagara on Sept. 16, Coles got the assist on Spires' goal.

"It was an excellent feeling assisting Joe on his first goal here at Binghamton," he said. "Being that it was also my first assist, that made it even better. It feels great knowing that Joe and I came onto the team only last semester and are now able to offer a positive impact on the field. I think it was a huge confidence booster for both of us as well as for the team since that sequence of teamwork is something that we work on in practice frequently. I'm very happy we were able to execute and although we didn't end up getting the result we hoped for, that was definitely one moment to be proud of."

Spires is also proud of the improvement he has made as a player since he arrived on campus back in January.

"I think coming here in the spring, where we focus mainly on individual and team improvement, has turned me into a better soccer player," he said. "I have a great coaching staff supporting me by constantly offering advice and critiquing technique to help us excel towards our full potential. I can definitely say I've turned into a more disciplined player. Coach Marco has offered some great positional advice helping me perform at a higher level as a striker. I've also improved my awareness as a player through constant practice and coaching. Finally, my work ethic has reached a new high due to the competitiveness and expectations set by my coaches and fellow teammates. I can confidently say I have improved as a player in my time here."

Capturing the Moment

Courtesy of Zoha Khan, click here for Mats Roorda's save against Hofstra on Tuesday, courtesy of our team instagram page.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 22, 2018

With Binghamton heading to Vermont for its conference opener, we turn back the clock four years ago to the first America East contest of the season. Binghamton beat visiting Hartford in that match 2-0. Click here for the recap

Posted September 22, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 21, 2022

The Save

We are sure many of you have seen this – either in person, on live stream or on social media – but if not, here is the clip of Mats Roorda's penalty kick save during last night's match against Hofstra.

"I was lucky I made the right decision to dive to the left corner," he said after the match. "I was glad to help the team by keeping the ball out of the net on that play."

Over the years, we've seen some impressive saves by Bearcat goalkeepers. Here is a list of the big ones that come to mind.

2021

P.J. Parker made a leaping save to preserve a 1-0 Bearcat win at UMass Lowell. Click here to view it.

2014

Robert Moewes made three saves in the decisive shootout against Stony Brook in the 2014 America East quarterfinals. Click here for the recap and highlights.

2009

Jason Stenta made a save off a penalty kick against Albany – in overtime no less. Two minutes later, Adam Whitehead won the match on a free kick.

Before last night's match against Hofstra, Whitehead - who is now a Binghamton assistant coach - was reminiscing with us about that game.

2006

The save we most remember also involves Stenta.

Binghamton and Boston University were in the decisive shootout round of their 2006 America East semifinal match at the old West Gym Field. The two teams traded goals in each of the first five rounds of the shootout.

Binghamton the scored in the top of the sixth frame, which set the stage for Stenta. He leaped to his left and swatted away the shot, clinching the victory for the Bearcats.

A personal note – I was on the field covering that game and was standing in the way of the Bearcat bench. Right before Stenta made his save, captain Kyle Antos yelled "David, get out of our way!" I turned around to find him with a big grin on his face, ready to charge the field with the rest of his teammates. Good thing I moved.

By the Numbers

Roorda has a 0.50 goals against average and an .827 save percentage over the past two matches.

Elsewhere on Campus

For the first time in the fall on a weeknight, Binghamton had multiple athletic events going on at the same time on Tuesday night. Whille the men's soccer team was facing Hofstra, the volleyball team beat Niagara at the West Gym in straight sets to improve to 9-4 on the season. Click here for the recap.

Social Media Update

Kudos to Sports Information Intern Grace Davis for the instagram reel she put together from yesterday's match. Click here to view it, courtesy of our team instagram account. 

With multiple events going on last night, our staff was shorthanded but Davis did it all last night, between putting together the reel, clipping Roorda's afforementioned save, keeping the press box straight on all of the stats and going through photos afterwards.

She definitely deserved a game ball.

Press Clippings

Click here for WBNG's report of the game, including their video of Roorda's PK save.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 21, 2019

In the earliest date that the Bearcats have hosted a Homecoming match, they battled Monmouth to a 0-0 tie. Guess who finished with eight saves in that match -- Mats Roorda, who was just a freshman at that time.

Click here for the recap.

On the Menu

Impressive tailgate spread last night for a weekday match. Meatballs and chili topped the list, followed by three types of salad. And of course, the cookies.

Posted September 21, 2022 at 4 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 20, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Hofstra

We caught up with some of the players after training on Monday to get their thoughts heading into tonight's match against Hofstra. The Bearcats are coming off a pair of ties heading into tonight's game against the Pride

"We're all looking forward to the match Tuesday night against a good opponent it'll be a great opportunity to show what we've been working on on in the last week as well as the entire season so far. The open week last week and the match against Canisius have allowed us to take a big step forward, we've been working hard on the training pitch to get ready for this match and the start of conference play next weekend."

- Will Noecker

"We've been making some great strides and really working on getting better in the right areas. Now we have to be better at putting it all together for whole games."

- Carlo Cavalar

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of Saturday's match against Canisius.
 
This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 20, 2009

Binghamton beats UC-Davis 1-0 in their first-ever trip to the New Mexico Tournament.

Posted September 20, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


September 19, 2022

Canisius Recap

It was an offensive outburst for the Bearcats in terms of shots – but a second straight tie was the result against Canisius. Lots to go over:

The Last Time it Happened….

Binghamton pumped 21 shots against Canisius on Saturday. The last time the Bearcats had at least 20 shots during a home match came against Stony Brook on Nov. 1, 2014. Binghamton fired 20 total shots and won that match 5-1. Click here for the recap.

Four and Counting…

Mats Roorda, who made a second-half save against Canisius, now has four solo shutouts during his career at Binghamton. Click here for the video of his save on Saturday.

Sound Bites

Click here for Michael Bush's post game remarks after Saturday's tie.

Social Media Update

Excellent reel on our team Instagram page from Saturday's match. Kudos to Angelica Gonzales for putting it together. Click here to view it.

Long Time No See

Turns out that Canisius head coach Michael Tanke has a previous history at the Bearcats Sports Complex. In 2009, as a junior at Rhode Island, he was on a team that faced off against Binghamton on Homecoming Weekend. Rhode Island was a substitute opponent for Maine, after the Black Bears discontinued their men's soccer program following the 2008 season.

Before Saturday's match, Tanke recalled how great the atmosphere was on that 2009 Homecoming Weekend and how much the crowd was into it. He also remembered several Binghamton standout players from that squad, including Jake Keegan, Jason Stenta and Kyle Manscuk.

The play Tanke remembered the most, however, was when his teammate Kevin Shaw scored early in the second half and then went over and took a bow in front of the crowd. Over a decade later, we still remember that moment.

Kudos

Congrats to the Binghamton women's soccer team for winning its America East opener on Sunday at home. The Bearcats beat Bryant 1-0. Click here for the recap. 

On the Menu

The chicken casserole made a second straight appearance at the post game tailgate. Other stand out items included sausage and peppers and a pasta salad. And of course, lots of cookies – and Gatorade.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 15, 2015

Binghamton beats Siena 2-1 at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Zach Galluzzo scored both goals in the victory. Click here for the recap.

Posted September 19, 2022 at 3:10 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 16, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Canisius

We caught up with head coach Paul Marco and the team after Thursday's training session to get their thoughts heading into the weekend.

Head Coach Paul Marco

"I think this open week has been very good. I think the guys have enjoyed the week. We have had great training sessions and have been able to get some of our guys back from injuries and illness. It's been a really good week."

"We have to keep going. I think our grit has to be demonstrated a bit more. The covering of ground has improved for sure this week. Now it's a matter of getting the right faces to play in the right spaces."

Ethan Homler

"This open week has been very beneficial. It gave us a chance to recover and reset but also improve our fitness as well. The squad has been looking sharp and hungry every day at training and we are all looking forward to taking the field this Saturday!"

Sean Fitzgerald

"I think this open week of training was necessary for the team. We all needed a mental and physical reset before a tough slate of games coming up. I think it was really helpful in our steps towards where we want to be at and I'm looking forward to see what we have in store for the next few weeks."

Posted September 16, 2022 at 2:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 



September 15, 2022

The 703 Connection

When freshman back Will Mahoney arrived on campus from Northern Virginia, he found two other teammates that grew up in the same 703 area code – senior back Michael Bush and junior back William Noecker. He knew both of them from club soccer and was eager to join them at Binghamton.

"I knew Bush and Will from high school because we had the same club coach and he could have us practice together sometimes," he said. "It's been really awesome coming in as a freshman and already having guys that I know and can learn from. They have been really great about giving me advice not only about defending and soccer but the college experience in general as well."

Mahoney had heard quite a bit about Binghamton when he was still in high school. The combination of academics and athletics led to him choosing to become a Bearcat.

"I had heard about Binghamton through my coaches at BRYC and when I looked into the school, I was really impressed with the elite level of academics BU had to offer, especially with the School of Management," he said. "I knew about the top athletics but the incredible quality of education really surprised and attracted me."

With Bush and Noecker already on campus, Mahoney heard first-hand how successful they had been at Binghamton.

"My club coach would tell me about how well they had done here, so I was able to keep up with them that way," he said.

Although he has only been on campus a little over a month, Mahoney has worked his way on to the starting team in a pair of matches. He has little doubt that he has improved as a player since the start of preseason.

"I think I've improved a lot as a player since I've joined the team," he said. "Being surrounded by such a high concentration of high-quality players has pushed me to be better in every aspect of the game."

The highlight of his career thus far, however, has been his first career start against Colgate. He was on the same back line and Bush and Noecker.

"That was great," he said. "I remember texting our club coach back home to let him know about it afterwards. Since we played together growing up, we knew exactly what to expect from each other during the match."

Noecker and Bush are equally as thrilled to have another club soccer teammate from the 703 area code join the team this year.

"I've known Will for a couple years now," Noecker said. "He was always on the younger teams at the youth club I played with but sometimes we combine and practice together so I got to know him a little bit over the years. Will is a hard-working guy and he's great to have around in the locker room. When I heard he was coming to Binghamton, I was excited because I knew he was going to raise the level of play and the level of effort at practice."

"Will is a great guy and we are lucky to have him," Bush said. "He has done a great job since he got here. The fact that all three of us are playing is a credit to our club coaches back home."

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with Carter Beaulieu after training on Thursday.

Social Media Update

Click here for photos from training on Thursday, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 15, 2015

Alex Varkatzas scores in the 67^th minute, lifting Binghamton to a 1-0 win at Cornell. Click here for the recap.

And Speaking of Cornell….

The Binghamton women's soccer team got a goal in the 76^th minute last night to pull out a 1-1 tie against the Big Red at home. Click here for the recap.

Posted September 15, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 14, 2022

A Year of Change

Junior back Joe Spires came to Binghamton under unique circumstances. After playing for Manhattan College his first two seasons in college, he decided to transfer after the Fall 2021 semester.

Normally, transferring happens at the end of an academic year. Spires, however, was able to join the Bearcats this past spring. To him, that move has paid off in several ways.

"I think coming in the spring is very unique compared to coming in the fall," he said. "It allowed me to get comfortable at a new school as well as help me get to know my new teammates before a long season. It especially helped me get used to the new team's tactics without the pressure of a full season coming up."

Spires wasn't the only new player to join the Bearcats in the spring. Fellow junior Shawn Coles and freshman Luke Yates were in the same position. All three of them, however, felt embraced by the Bearcats immediately.

"The team was very welcoming when I first got here," he said. "They made me feel at home and never out of place. The other transfers felt the same way."

It's been nearly a full calendar year since Spires arrived at Binghamton. During that stretch, he has definitely seen his game progress.

"I am much better at playing fast," he said. "I now play a lot of one and two touch soccer. I am also much more confident on the ball. Defensively, I've also improved due to the skill of the players in practice. They are constantly challenging me in practice to get better."

Spires newfound confidence on the ball was most evident in Binghamton's match against Niagara last Friday. He scored his first collegiate goal – fittingly enough, on a pass from fellow transfer Coles.

"The goal I had against Niagara was one of the best feelings I've ever had in soccer," he said. "It was a big game for us and to score the first goal of the game was exciting. I couldn't have hit it any better and knew immediately it was going to be a great shot. I look forward to scoring many more goals while here at Binghamton."

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with freshman Will Mahoney after Wednesday's training session.

Social Media Update

As for why Spires came to Binghamton, click here for a graphic on our team Instagram page.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 14, 2018

Binghamton ties then No. 18 Colgate 1-1 at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Click here for the recap.

Posted September 14, 2022 at 10 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




September 13, 2022

Catching Up

With an open week, today is a day to catch up this on past weekend, starting with the Niagara match. We caught up with Joe Spires after the match to get his take on the 2-2 tie against the Purple Eagles.

"I think that overall we played better as a team," he said. "We were more dangerous on the attack. We had a total of 12 shots, which was more than some of our (previous) combined games. It's too bad we could only come away with a tie but overall, there is a lot to build on for the next game."

Coach Marco agreed with Spires' assessment.

"There is a lot of promise to take away from today, even though we are disappointed to have only gotten a tie," he said. "We do get some guys back from injuries this next week, so we are looking forward to that."

So, Who Is Louder?

The Binghamton men's and women's soccer teams are both known for supporting each other at home matches. On Friday night, the men's team definitely heard the women's squad up in the stands.

We asked Spires which team provided better spirit.

"That's the biggest thing we heard – the women's team in the stands," he said afterwards. "They are louder for us than we are for them – honest."

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the Niagara match.

Social Media Update

Click here for a sideline view of the Bearcats' second goal, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Sound Bites

We caught up with Matt Cozetti after Monday's training session. Click here for the interview.

On the Menu

A great selection on Friday night after the Niagara match at the post game tailgate, highlighted by the chicken casserole and made to order subs. And once again, the chocolate chip cookies were a hit with this blogger.

A Personal Note

Wishing my stepdad a happy birthday in Maryland today. He played a big role in shaping my writing style and also in my current role as a stepdad of three. He has done so much for me professionally and personally. I wouldn't be who I am today without him. 

Posted September 13, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 

September 12, 2022

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 12, 2022

We'll get back to recapping the Niagara match tomorrow – but as many of you know, today is the anniversary of one of the most significant matches in Binghamton men's soccer history.

Twenty-one years ago – the day after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. – Binghamton and Stony Brook squared off at the old West Gym Field.

It's a story that is worth retelling each year.

Stony Brook's team came into town the night of Monday, September 10. They left the New York City area just 12 hours before the attacks.

On Tuesday, September 11, the match was the furthest thing from anyone's mind. Players from both Binghamton and Stony Brook were scrambling to make sure all of their family members were safe.

On a personal note, that was my second year at Binghamton – and my second year with the men's soccer program. Stony Brook's Men's Soccer Sports Information Director, Shannon Hart, made the trip down with the team. Over two decades later, she remains one of my favorite colleagues – even though she left the industry a few years after 9/11. She and I talked throughout that fateful day and caught up at the Stony Brook hotel to watch the continuing coverage. For both of us, seeing our players worried about their families was a lot to process. And watching the replays of the planes crashing just as much.

The following day, with Stony Brook unable to go back home to Long Island, the decision was made to play the game. Four days earlier, the Bearcats lost a 3-2 overtime decision to Marist on the same West Gym Field. The crowd was into it and the players were as energetic as ever. But on September 12, everything was quiet when the match kicked off. And there wasn't much noise during the match.

I don't remember much about the match. No one really does, except that Stony Brook won 1-0. But all of us remember when the national anthem was played and how emotional of a moment that was.

Keith Augeri, who is now a social studies teacher in Long Island, tells his high school student each year what it was like to play on that day. He was a junior on that 2001 team. No other high school or college in the area played a game that day – and he knew it at the time.

"Each year, the students I talk to are very attentive when I tell the story," he said. "But every year, I realize more and more that the students I am talking to don't remember it as much. What I tell them about most is when the National Anthem was played. I'll never forget that."

In talking with the players afterwards – no one regretted the decision to play. Many of them dedicated the match to the victims of 9/11. For most of them, it was a time to heal.

That 2001 Binghamton team was a first-year NCAA Division I program and struggled to adjust to playing other programs on that level. But the play on the field that September 12 spoke a lot about the heart they had. The same can be said for Stony Brook.

Shannon Hart and I talk every year the week of 9/11. So far as I know, no two other SIDs worked a game on that day. That is something each of us will always remember.

It's been 21 years since that match. But it remains one of the most significant ones played by Binghamton.

We'll return to the current season tomorrow. But for now, hats off to Augeri and the rest of the 2001 team.

Posted September 12, 2022
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


September 9, 2022

Final Thoughts Before Niagara

We caught up with some of the players yesterday to get their thoughts before tonight's match against Niagara:

"Game days are always special. Adding in playing at home just makes it that much better. We've been working really hard in training and have been putting together some great moments. We are looking forward to putting it all together and coming out tomorrow night to work hard for a win."

- Michael Bush

"We're all ready to turn over a new leaf tomorrow and to do it at home. The team is focused on being ready for conference play and these next two games give us the ability to get our feet under us. We are pushing forward as a team and know it's important to stay focused and continue to get better as the season continues."

- P.J. Parker

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the match at St. Bonaventure on Monday night. The weather promises to be much drier tonight.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 9, 2015

In one of the wilder matches we've seen at the Bearcats Sports Complex, Binghamton took a 3-0 halftime lead against St. Peter's and survived a pair of second-half Peacock goals to hang on for the 3-2 win. Click here for the recap.

Posted September 9, 2022 at 11 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 8, 2022

Odds and Ends

Some miscellaneous things to go over as the Bearcats continue to train for Niagara:

Long Time, No See

This marks the first time Niagara has visited the Bearcats Sports Complex since the 2009 season. Current Bearcat assistant coach Adam Whitehead was a freshman on that Binghamton team – and scored a goal against the Purple Eagles. Another Binghamton assistant – Tommy Moon – was still a senior at nearby Union Endicott High School.

The Last Time it Happened….

It's been a while since the Bearcats have played in three straight home games. Eight years as a matter of fact. From Oct. 4-22, 2014, Binghamton had four straight home matches – against Hartford, New Hampshire, Vermont and Columbia.

Never Forget

The Men's Soccer Daily Update comes out on weekdays but with Sunday being the 21st anniversary of the September 11 attacks, here's a shout out to the Bearcats' 2001 team. As a first-year Division I program, the program played Stony Brook on September 12, one day after the attacks.

Every year, Keith Augeri, who was on that 2001 team, takes time out to tell his high school social studies classes what that day was like for the team.
One other note about that 2001 team -- the head coach was Hristos Dimitrou. Last December, he was inducted into the Binghamton University Athletic Department Hall of Fame.

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with Joe Spires following Thursday's training session, courtesy of our team twitter account. 

Let's Go to the Videotape

Click here for the highlights from the 2021 Hall of Fame Ceremony in which Coach Dimitrou was one of the inductees. 

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 9, 2007

Binghamton beat Pittsburgh 1-0 for its fifth straight 1-0 win to open the season.

Posted September 8, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




September 7, 2022

A Welcome Addition

Junior midfielder Markos Touroukis arrived on campus four weeks ago as a transfer from Coker College. Since then, he has started in all four matches and scored his first Binghamton goal in the season opener against James Madison on Aug. 25.

Touroukis' impact on the Bearcats so far is evidence of a transition to a new campus that has been smooth.

"It's been great," he said. "I really like the school and the team. Every day I am adjusting to the new team and school – but everything has been good so far."

Touroukis had a good feeling about the program when he arrived the week before preseason training.

"I came a few days before preseason and stayed with some guys on the team before I moved into my apartment," he said. "The guys hugged me immediately when I got there and they were very kind during the time I stayed with them."

As satisfying as it was to score a goal in his first match at Binghamton, it was bittersweet for Touroukis since the Bearcats eventually lost 3-1.

"It was a good feeling and I really enjoyed the goal," he said. "But at the end of the day, we didn't get the win. And to me, getting the win was the most important thing."

Touroukis' goal came on the road but it was the home crowd on Friday against Colgate that really impressed him.

"We had a really good amount of people on Friday," he said. "I felt sorry for them because we lost. I wish we would have won."

The time difference between Binghamton and Greece is seven hours – but that doesn't stop Touroukis' family back home from watching the matches.

Last Friday's match against Colgate started at 2 a.m. Greece Time.

"My family back home is my biggest supporting team," he said. "The always follow me and are watching my matches. I want to make them proud of me."

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream Student Newspaper's recap of the home opener against Colgate last Friday.

Let's Go to the Videotape

Click here for an interview with Tourourkis after Wednesday's training session.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 7, 2021

We'll go back one year ago, when Ethan Homler scored on a penalty kick in the first half of Binghamton's 1-0 win at Siena.

Posted September 7, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 6, 2022

Downpour

Results aside, last night at St. Bonaventure was one of the most memorable matches in terms of weather.

The game ball from the match goes to Nathan DeSutter, who was able to capture some photos for us. Click here to view them.

Previous Downpours

We had to scan through our memory bank to determine some of the previous rain-soaked matches. Here are a few that standout:

2006 – Binghamton defeated Hartford 1-0 at the old West Gym Field. The match was stopped for 90 minutes due to lightening – which was followed by torrential thunderstorm.

2007 – Binghamton won 1-0 at Stony Brook in a steady downpour. Barry Neville's goal late in the first half, however, gave the Bearcats their second straight America East regular-season title.

2008 – Binghamton beat New Hampshire 2-0 at the Bearcats Sports Complex. The match was delayed 60 minutes because a downpour earlier in the day drenched the turf.

In Case You Missed It..

Click here for a pair of saves from Friday's match against Colgate, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 6, 2013

Binghamton won 1-0 at American University. The Bearcat who scored the first-half goal … current assistant coach Tommy Moon.

Posted September 6, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




September 5, 2022

Home Opener Leftovers

Before moving into the new week – and tonight's match at St. Bonaventure – here are a few takeaways from the home opener on Friday against Colgate.

Crowd Support

Despite the setback, the Bearcats appreciated the support from the 756 fans in attendance on Friday night.

"The crowd on Friday night was amazing. They brought a ton of energy that we were able to feed off of throughout the game. We wish we could have given them a better result, but we can't thank them enough for their support."

Anthony Lazaridis

"I really enjoyed playing in front of the crowd although I wish we could have showed them our true selves on the pitch. Now we have to hope that we will see just as many supporters for the game next Friday so we can pay them back."

Carlo Cavalar

Post-Game Tailgate

Once again, the families of the players delivered on the post-game tailgate, which remains a staple of the home dates at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

"The tailgate after the game was something I had never experienced. It is great to be part of a team that everybody's families truly care about and it was great meeting everybody."

Carlo Cavalar

"Post-game tailgates have been a huge part of this team since I arrived in Binghamton. They are a great way of the players and families and really show what a close group we all have formed. We are so thankful to the parents that plan the tailgates and hope they know that their effort and support does not go unnoticed."

Anthony Lazaridis

On the Menu

Speaking of the tailgate – pasta salads, pull pork and sheet pizzas were the key items on Friday night. Plus lots of cookies.

Posted September 5, 2022 at 9 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



September 2, 2022

Final Thoughts Before the Home Opener

We caught up with several players this week to get their thoughts on tonight's home opener. Here are their comments.

"I will never forget our home opener against Drexel in 2019. I was a freshman and it was my first game with the team. The game went into overtime and Noah Luescher scored a free kick to win the game. The feeling I had and the whole team had was incredible it can't be put into words."

Sean Molloy

"First of all, there are always a lot of fans in the stand, so that is always nice. My freshman year, the home opener remains very clear. We played Drexel and the match went into overtime and Noah (Luescher) made a free kick to win it. Those are the moments that we play for. Those are the moments that we remember from our home openers and I hope we have a lot of people in the stands again on Friday."

Mats Roorda

Sound Bites

Click here for a interview with Carlo Cavalar, who will play in his first home opener on Friday night.

Let's go to the Video Tape

There is no sudden-death overtime this season - but who can forget last year's match against Colgate, when Rory Anderson scored with seconds left in the second sudden-victory period? Click here to relive that moment.

Colgate, meanwhile, had its own regulation heroics the other night against Marist - scoring in the 87th minute to pull out a 1-1 tie. Click here for the video of that play. 

Social Media Update

Friday's game marks the first contest for the men's soccer team on its new turf. Add some new balls to that and you have a lot of anticipation for tonight's match. Click here for a promotional photo - courtesy of our team instagram page. 

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 2, 2007

Binghamton beat Winthrop 1-0 to take the Radford Invitational title. It was the second of five straight 1-0 victories to open the season. 

Posted September 2, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




September 1, 2022

Feeling Right at Home

Sophomore back Carlo Cavalar is one of the Bearcats' top newcomers. A transfer from Lipscomb and originally from Germany, he started in both matches at the JMU Tournament last weekend.

Although he has only been on campus four weeks, Cavalar is already feeling right at home.

"I've really enjoyed it here," he said. "It's a great environment and I love the team and the university. The guys have really been welcoming to me."

Cavalar's first inkling of the welcoming culture came at the end of his long journey from overseas.

"My flight was delayed getting over here," he said. "I had to come by bus to Binghamton but when Will Noecker picked me up from the station, I knew I was coming to a good place."

As a freshman, Cavalar started in 12 of the 17 matches at Lipscomb – a team that won the Atlantic Sun Conference title in 2021. He was flourishing within the program but looked at the academics at Binghamton and decided it was time for a change.

"We had a good soccer program there," he said. "But when I looked at the academics at Binghamton and talked to the coaches here I was impressed. When I came here on my official visit, the team was great. It was a no brainer for me to come here."

Cavalar is one of nine new players on this year's Bearcat team – but creating team chemistry has not been an issue within the team. That is something he credits to the returning players.

"The returning players created a culture that was very welcoming, it's been a great mix."

There have been, however, a few adjustments Cavalar has had to make since arriving on campus.

"Every program has its own philosophy and way of doing things so I knew I would have to learn how to do things differently," he said. "But I have also noticed that up north, there are a lot more turf fields."

But there one noticeable change up north that Cavalar appreciates.

"It was not as hot up here during preseason," he said. "Compared to down south, it was a lot nicer. I had to laugh when I heard people complain."

Plays of the Week

Another newcomer to this year's team, junior midfielder Markos Touroukis, has already made his mark. His goal against James Madison last Thursday was one of the America East's Top Plays of the Week. Click here for the video.

Let's go to the Video Tape

Click here for an interview with Sean Fitzgerald after training on Wednesday, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Social Media Update

Click here for photos from Wednesday's training session, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 1, 2009

Binghamton beats Syracuse 3-2 in its home opener. Kyle Kucharski tied the program record with three assists in that match.

Posted September 1, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




August 31, 2022

Home Sweet Home

Friday night marks the 16th home opener since Binghamton moved into the Bearcats Sports Complex in 2007. The Bearcats – who have won their past three home openers by identical 2-1 scores – are 9-4-2 all time in such contests.

Since Sept. 29, 2007, Binghamton has played 107 matches at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Its home record is 49-42-16.

As we do every year – we go over the best home match of each season. Some of them are – home openers.

It remains to be seen which home match will be seen as the best one of 2022. But for the sake of the last 15 years – here we go.
 
2007. Binghamton 2, Boston University 1 (Overtime)
The standard for all future home matches was set early when Cameron Keith netted his second goal of the match in the waning seconds of the first overtime. The match took place on Homecoming Weekend and the postgame celebration in the stands remains an iconic moment.

2008. Binghamton 3, Bucknell 1.
This one was a home opener before 1,800 fans. Cody Germain had a goal and an assist in the victory.

2009. Binghamton 2, Boston University 1
This match was carried live on the FOX Soccer Channel on a Friday night. Ryan Walter broke a 1-1 tie late in the second half.

2010. Binghamton 1, Vermont 0
Before a Homecoming crowd of 2,240 fans, Walter scored the lone goal of the match before many of the fans had even found their seats.

2011. Binghamton 5, Boston University 1
In a Senior Day match that was pushed back one day due to a freak snow storm, the Bearcats routed the America East regular-season champions. Jake Keegan had two goals and an assist while current Binghamton assistant coach Adam Whitehead finished with a goal and two assists.

2012. Binghamton 2, New Hampshire 1 (Overtime)
Keegan had 28 goals during his illustrious career – but his overtime game winner in the Bearcats conference opener was one of his most significant.

2013. Binghamton 3, UMass Lowell 0
Before a Homecoming crowd of 1,716 fans, Ben Nicholson scored just five minutes into the match and did his iconic backflip. University photographer Jonathan Cohen captured the moment perfectly and still calls it one of his favorite sports photos.

2014. Binghamton 1, Stony Brook 1 – AE Quarterfinals
Binghamton's last playoff game at home was a 1-1 draw against Stony Brook – followed by a 4-3 penalty kick shootout win. Bearcats goalkeeper Robert Moewes made three saves in the decisive shootout.

2015. Binghamton 2, UMBC 1.
On Family Weekend, the Bearcats moved into first place in the America East with a victory over the defending conference champions.

2016. Binghamton 3, Buffalo 0
Nikos Psarras scores twice before a Homecoming crowd of 1,801.

2017. Binghamton 4, George Washington 0
A season opener. Noah Luescher's debut featured a goal and an assist. It remains the last time the Bearcats have reached the four-goal mark at home.

2018. Binghamton 2, New Hampshire 1
Noah Luescher scored a goal and added an assist as the Bearcats defeated the No. 25 Wildcats before a facility-record crowd of 3,265 on Family Weekend.

2019. Binghamton 2, Drexel 1- Overtime
Another season opener. Noah Luescher scored twice against Drexel – including his first-ever overtime game winner.

2020. Binghamton 2, Albany 1.
Guess who scored twice again in a season opener? Noah Luescher -- against the Great Danes. It was a match played in February due to the COVID-19 pandemic postponing the fall season.

2021. Binghamton 1, Stony Brook 0
Playing against a Stony Brook team that was receiving votes in the USC Top 25 poll, the Bearcats won 1-0 before a Family Weekend crowd of 2,650. Oliver Svalander scored in the second half.

2022 … you are on the clock.

Posted August 31, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 30, 2022
 
Back at the Bearcats Sports Complex
 
After an off day on Monday, we caught up with head coach Paul Marco following Tuesday's training session at the Bearcats Sports Complex. With Friday's home opener against Colgate just three days away, Coach Marco went over things the team could take away from this past weekend at James Madison – and looked ahead to Friday night.
 
On Positives the Team Could Take Away from the JMU Invitational
 
"On the field, I thought we did some things well. I thought we created a few chances. We were in behind (the opposing defense) on the flanks more than we had seen. I thought the group was a little more dynamic in the final third (of the field). Collectively, our team defending got better when we were down a player. Our group showed more grit during that same. So we had a lot of positives to take away from JMU."
 
On What the Team is Working on Before Friday Night's Home Opener
 
"We want get our guys back fit and fresh is a concern of ours. It was a long trip to JMU . We also want to get the guys to continue improving in the areas we have been working on this preseason – including set pieces, attacking and defending as well as the connectivity between players. We have a lot of new faces and guys in new positions, so we are trying to put those pieces together."

On the Excitement of the Upcoming Home Opener

"The week before a home opener is always an exciting time and this year - it's even more so with our new turf. We are really looking forward to Friday night against a very good Colgate team."

New Position?

Speaking of new positions - assistant coach Adam Whitehead was primarily used on offense during his career at Binghamton from 2009-12. But on Tuesday afternoon - he was playing goal during the end of a training session.

We asked him the last time he was the keeper on any level and he said he couldn't remember. It should be noted that when a ball struck the crossbar, Whitehead made little effort to deflect it.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: August 30, 2015

Binghamton wins 1-0 at then No. 30 Ohio State. Pascal Trappe netted the winning goal early in the first half. Click here for the recap.

Posted August 30, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 29, 2022

Odds and Ends

With the Bearcats having an off-day after returning yesterday from James Madison - here's a few things to go over:

Photo Dump

Click here for photos from our match on Sunday against Drexel, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

The Last Time it Happened....

Against JMU on Thursday, Markos Touroukis became the first Binghamton player since Noah Luescher in 2017 to score a goal in his first game with the program. Click here for the recap of Luescher's successful debut.

Around the America East

Click here for the America East conference report of the first weekend of play.

Press Clippings

Click here for the Pipe Dream's (Student Newspaper) recap of the Bearcats weekend at James Madison.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: August 29, 2014

Binghamton opens up the season with a 2-1 win at Bucknell. Click here for the recap.

Back to the field tomorrow we go for training....

Posted August 29, 2022 at 4:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 27, 2022

Looking back and looking ahead

With the team still down at JMU preparing for tomorrow's match against Drexel - a few things to go over:

Click here for the link to the photos from the match against JMU, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Click here for the video of Markos Tourourkis' goal against the Dukes, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Moving forward, click here for the preview for tomorrow's match against Drexel.

Finally, kudos to Zach Clark for putting together this opening day hype video. Click here to view it.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: August 27, 2006

While it wasn't a victory, Binghamton's match at Maryland came against the defending NCAA Division I champions - as well as my former place of employment :)  

Coach Marco viewed it as a test for later on in the season. Well - the Bearcats went on to win the America East title that year. 

See you all Monday.

Posted August 27, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 25, 2022

Game Day

The distance from Vestal, New York to Harrisonburg, Virginia is 370 miles. That is where the Bearcats begin their 2022 season tonight.

We caught up with several of the Bearcat players last night after they arrived in Harrisonburg and got their thoughts on the start of the season.

Billy Clark

"I can't wait to get our season started. The team has worked hard to get ready for a good JMU side and we feel prepared. We're all excited to see our hard work from preseason comes together in tonight's game."

Anthony Lazaridis

"This preseason has been great for our team and we are really looking forward to kicking off the season. We have put in a lot of hard work and can't wait for Thursday."

Sean Fitzgerald

"We are really excited to kick start our season. I feel the team put in the work this preseason to prepare us for a good JMU side tomorrow night and set us up for success in the long run. We're all concentrated on getting a result and eager for the season opener."

America East Update

Click here for the America East's report of the first night of the season. Seven teams, including Binghamton, kick off their 2022 campaigns tonight.

A Personal Note

Before diving into the season – I wanted to close this update entry on a personal note.

One of my favorite parts of the job is getting to meet the parents and families of the players. Many of them will be at the matches this weekend at James Madison. It's no accident that the players who are first-rate – which is the norm on this team – were raised by first-rate parents.

On that note, I wanted to wish a happy 37th anniversary to my mom and stepdad. They have been huge supporters of my career since I started at Binghamton in 2000. A big part of my writing style, research, people skills and work ethic comes from the two of them.

They are always asking how my teams are doing up here at Binghamton and in some cases, already know how my teams are doing via our website.

Here is hoping for a good result tonight for two supporters of the program who mean the world to me.

Posted August 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


August 24, 2022

Final Thoughts Before the Season Opener

The Binghamton men's soccer team left this morning for James Madison. We caught up with head coach Paul Marco at the Bearcats' final training session on campus to get his thoughts before the start of the 2022 season.

Here were his quotes:

On the progress of the team

"The team has been moving forward very well, both on paper and on the field. The guys are sharp and they are ready to go. We've picked up a couple of injuries but hopefully we get those players back before JMU. Everything else is going well."

On the Bearcats' trip to Navy last weekend for a scrimmage

"The surface at JMU is very similar to Navy. That is why we decided to stay an extra night at Navy and train there some more. We enjoyed our time at Navy. They were great hosts."

On how the team has gelled together

"Collectively, everyone has been terrific in gelling as a team. Collectively, everyone has meshed well. We already see people becoming great teammates. We just need more time together on the field."

Match Preview

In case you have yet to see it, click here for the match preview for James Madison.

Getting to Know James Madison

Click here for more info on our first opponent of the season – James Madison

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with Devin Heanue following Tuesday's training session.

Social Media Update

For those of you who follow our Instagram account, we have counted down the days – by uniform number – until the start of the regular season. We started with P.J. Parker at #32 and ended today with #1 Mats Roorda. Click here to view all of our countdown graphics and other preseason videos and photos.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: August 24, 2012

During the season, we will check the history books to see what memorable games took place on this date. August 24 is the earliest the season has started.

Unfortunately, Binghamton is 0-2 on August 24 all time.

Still, the Bearcats' 3-2 overtime loss at Colgate on this date 10 years ago was a memorable game. Binghamton had to tie the game in the final seconds just to force overtime.

FYI -- there is no overtime in regular-season matches this year. New rule.

Let's Go to the Videotape

Speaking of that 2012 match at Colgate, we followed the Bearcats during the entire day. Click here for the final video package..

For the record, current Binghamton assistant coaches Tommy Moon and Adam Whitehead were on that team and played in that match.

Posted August 24, 2022 at 5:50 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




August 23, 2022

Staying Put

Three years ago, Mats Roorda left his native Holland to join the Binghamton men's soccer program. It was a leap of faith but was worth the unknown.

This summer, Roorda made the decision to stay in the United States instead of going back to Holland. He wanted to play on a summer team and joined the Long Island (N.Y.) Rough Riders.

"I have thought about playing in the United States over the summer for quite some time now," he said. "I tried last year, however, I was a bit too late and most teams already had full rosters. My main reason was to get ready for the fall season with other high-quality college soccer players."

Being on the Rough Riders worked out perfectly for Roorda. Three of his teammates – Sean Fitzgerald, Tyler Meotti and Ethan Homler were also on the squad.

It was really pleasant to have some familiar faces on the team but also in the area," he said. Since a large number of guys on our team are from Long Island, I always had someone to either hang out with or train with. It was nice to have some players on the team who played in a similar way."

There were of course, other players from college men's soccer programs on the Rough Riders. That gave Roorda and the other Bearcat players an opportunity to soak up a lot of soccer knowledge.

"We had guys from places such as Seton Hall, Lafayette, Hofstra, West Virginia and Adelphi," he said. "It was very nice but also helpful to have guys from different teams since they are used to different types of play, which helped me become a more well-rounded soccer player."

The Rough Riders had several games during the season that stood out. This included several convincing victories as well as a few nail-biters.

"We played a couple of games where we dominated the other team and won 6-0 or 7-0," Roorda said. "But the most memorable was the game against the Westchester Flames where we faced a lot of challenges but fought back to win in the last minutes of the game despite being one man down."

When Roorda eventually returned to Holland, it was only for a short period of time.

"We started up with the Long Island Rough Riders in the end of May and I finally had the opportunity to go home at the end of July," he said. "I was only able to go home for a week since preseason was right around the corner. It was nice being home for a little bit but during the time I couldn't wait for preseason to start."

Looking back, Roorda has little doubt he made the right decision to play in the U.S. this past summer.

"Being on a team and working towards one similar goal is far more helpful than training on your own or with a small amount of people," he said. "Playing in a team over the summer is - in my opinion - the optimal way to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the fall season."

Social Media Update

Click here for a photo of the four Bearcat players during their time with the Rough Riders, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with Parker McKnight after Tuesday's training session.

Posted August 23, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 22, 2022

The End of Preseason

The men's soccer team officially ended preseason with a trip to Annapolis to take on Navy. The scrimmage on Friday night – which ended in a 1-1 tie – came against a Midshipmen team picked to finish third in the Patriot League.

We caught up with several Binghamton players to get their reaction on the match. We also got their thoughts on the state of the team heading into the start of the regular season.

Michael Bush

"The team put together another good performance this weekend. Navy is a great side that is always running at 110% and we came out ready to match that. You could see improvements from the last game and now we want to take this match and build off of it to continue to get better."

Ethan Homler

"The match was another great opportunity for us to improve our game day fitness. Our performance Friday was better than our first against St. Francis and it gave us more confidence going into our opening match against JMU this coming Thursday."

P.J. Parker

"We are very glad to have played a good side on grass to prepare for our trip to JMU. Being on the road can be exhausting but it's given the group more time to connect and prepare for a long season. The team is coming together and we're all focused on getting a result this Thursday."
 
Social Media Update
 
Click here for a photo gallery of the match against Navy, courtesy of the team's Instagram account.
 
Elsewhere on Campus
 
Kudos to the Bearcat women's team on their 2-0 victory over Temple in its home opener. Click here for the recap.
 
Posted August 22, 2022 at 3:40 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




August 19, 2022

Summer in Catamount Country

It's not uncommon for Bearcat players to compete with a club team over the summer to work on their game. Several current Binghamton players did such over the past few months.

For Carter Beaulieu, however, that meant spending his summer in the hometown of one Binghamton's biggest rivals – Burlington, Vermont.

"I wanted to play soccer over the summer with a team to try and improve and prepare for the upcoming fall season," he said. "With some help from the coaching staff, I was able to get into touch with Vermont Green FC and decided it would be a great opportunity."

When Beaulieu arrived in Burlington, he found a lot of players like himself – college athletes looking to improve their game. Many of those players, however, were from rival conference schools such as Vermont and New Hampshire. Despite the America East rivalries, everyone on Vermont Green F.C. was collectively working together.

"It was interesting to see other America East players in the same colors as myself for once," he said. "But everyone was friendly and shared a common goal of improving and trying to help the team win."

In addition to everyone getting along, Beaulieu was just as impressed with the competition within Vermont Green F.C.

"The environment was great," he said. "With players from many different schools around the U.S., I had the pleasure of playing with quality players that were all competing for a spot in the starting team."

Beaulieu returned to campus for preseason two weeks ago and at the team's preseason media day, he shared some of his experiences in Burlington. He is confident that the takeaways from his time with Vermont Green F.C. will lead to success at the Bearcats Sports Complex this fall.

"Being surrounded by quality players, I was able to learn more about the game as well as what it takes to be great," he said. "I hope to show people what I have learned this fall and apply it to get the upper hand over some of my teammates from the summer."

Posted August 19, 2022 at 10:40 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


August 18, 2022

Make Your Own Pizza Night

The men's soccer team has continued many of its preseason traditions this year, such as the Bearcat Open and gathering with the women's team at the McKnight house for dinner.

Last Saturday, however, assistant coach Harrison Williams hosted what could be a new tradition – Make Your Own Pizza Night.

I offered the "Make Your Own Pizza Night" because I have a massive pizza oven at my house and thought it would be fun," he said. "I brought up the idea to Coach Marco who was totally on board with it."

Pizza may have been the feature attraction of the evening – but there was a lot more to the festivities.

"We made 40 individual pizzas and had corn on the cob, roast chicken and salad," he said. "It was a great feast and the guys followed it up with a very competitive corn hole match."

"It was an outstanding night," Marco said. "Harrison pulled off something terrific for the guys. It was set up very well and was a great event."

Each of the players had their own individual preferences as to what they topped on their own pizzas.

"My pizza had some bacon, sausage and red peppers on it," Will Noecker said. "We appreciate Harrison for putting the event together – and especially for letting us use his pizza oven"

"I put a little bit of everything on my pizza," Michael Bush said. "We had sausage, meatballs chicken, mushrooms, peppers - anything you can think of really. Harrison was a great host and we really appreciated it."

Williams heard quite a bit of feedback from the players before they left his place.

"The phrase 'best pizza ever' was mentioned several times," he said. "As well as 'I've never done anything like this before'."

Click here for some photos of the evening, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Posted August 18, 2022 at 3 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 17, 2022

The Bearcat Open

When head coach Paul Marco arrived at Binghamton in 2002, he brought with him several new traditions for the Bearcat program. Through two decades, one of the most popular preseason traditions remains the Bearcat Open.

After a full week of training, the men's soccer team heads to a local nine-hole golf course for an afternoon of play. The range in experience in golfing leads to some great – and not so great shots. But many of them live on in memory.

"The Bearcat Open is a time for the guys to come together," Marco said. "Some of them are very good golfers but other guys have never swung a club other than putt-putt."

The Bearcat players also look forward to the tournament every year.

"It's so much fun to get all of the guys out here together," Sean Molloy said. "It's really good for bonding and especially getting to know the new guys better."

"It's really nice to be able to relax and have fun with our teammates," Dan Mansfield said. "It's a time for us to be competitive outside of the sport of soccer."

Perhaps no one is more competitive when it comes to the Bearcat Open than Marco. His team – which consists of the staff - consistently wins the team title. That was not the case, however, in 2021.

"I was really disappointed that we let the title get away from us last year," he said before this year's event. "We expect to correct things this year."

The players, meanwhile, went into the afternoon hoping one of the teams beat the coaching staff.

"I sure hope one of our teams does it," P.J. Parker said.

There have been many not-so memorable shots over the years – but none of which tops one of the players losing their ball – and club – into the pond in front of the first hole back in 2014. To make matters worse, the play who took the shot borrowed a club from a teammate.

"I think that club is still in the pond somewhere," Marco said.

Even this year, there were some interesting shots.

"Joe Spires was said to be a good golfer but he hit his first shot right into the pond," Molloy said.

In the end – Marco and the coaching staff broke the tournament record with a 6-under par.

"We played well," he said. "(Assistant Coach) Tommy Moon was on fire today."

Season Ticket Scarf Package

Moving back to action on the soccer field, click here for details about the Season Ticket Scarf Package.

Women's Team Update

The BU women's soccer team kicks off its season at Buffalo tomorrow. Click here for their season preview.

Posted August 17, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 



August 16, 2022

First Action

One week ago today, the Bearcats returned to campus to begin preseason. Yesterday, they traveled off campus for their first scrimmage of the season. Here is what the team had to say about their first action of the preseason.

Ethan Homler

"The boys today put in a great shift and was another opportunity for us to improve our match fitness. We used this match to implement some of the ideas that we have been working on during training. Overall, we felt good about the team performance and it was another step in the right direction."

Parker McKnight

"The team had a strong start to the game and quickly took control. The team performed well in our first scrimmage, and we can learn a lot from this game in terms of both positives and areas that need improvement. Overall, the season is off to a strong start."

Michael Bush

"The match today was a good start for the boys. The energy that we came out with was great and we really took what we've been working on in training and applied it to a game scenario. I'm certainly looking forward to continuing to move forward."

One-on-One

Clip here for an interview with Mats Roorda before training on Tuesday morning.

Press Clippings

Click here for WIVT's coverage of last week's Fall Preseason Media Day. The reporter was Brian Rudman. 

Social Media Update

Today was the team's annual Bearcat Open Golf Tournament. Click here for a group photo, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

We will have much more on that event tomorrow.

Posted August 16, 2022 at 4 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




August 15, 2022

Family Ties

Each year during the preseason, the Binghamton men's soccer team has headed over to the McKnight residence in nearby Vestal for a night a food, fun and getting together with the Binghamton women's soccer team. Last Thursday night was the date for this year's get-together.

With two members of the McKnight family currently on the women's squad (Olivia and Victoria), current senior Parker on the men's team and older brother Connor having graduated in 2018, the gathering has been a tradition each August for nearly a decade.

"This gathering has been hosted by my family for a while," Parker said. "When my sisters joined the women's team three years ago, my family started having both the men's and women's teams over for every preseason. This gathering began when my brother was on the team, which was about six years ago. Getting together with the women's squad to hang out and have fun is always a blast."

With the rigors of preseason faced by both teams, the evening at the McKnight's house offers a chance to take a break from the field.

"There are numerous things to do at our house, like swimming, playing pool volleyball, playing can jam and corn hole, dining while listening to music and simply interacting with others and unwinding," Parker said.
When the regular season starts, Parker and his sisters make sure to keep tabs with each other in several ways.

"I have close ties with both of my sisters," he said. "Being at the same school as them is fantastic because we have been best friends since we were infants. Before and after games, we always FaceTime or text each other to wish each other luck or to congratulate each other on a victory. We support one another by attending each other's games whenever we can. Since we are all fiercely competitive, we constantly push one another to do better and discuss good and bad games so that we can bring out the best in one another."

A few years ago, Parker and Victoria grew even closer through adverse circumstances. Both sustained season-ending injuries prior to the first game of the year.

"We both tore our ACLs – my sister and I," he said. "We supported and encouraged one another throughout these times as we worked to regain our strength and ability to play. I can't even begin to comprehend what it must have been like for her to go through two ACL tears, so it is simply incredible to see her back on the field this season and looking as good as she has ever looked after two knee surgeries. She had such a strong desire to return and go through it all again and I am so proud of her."

Connor, meanwhile, has been out of college since 2018 but as the oldest of the four – he made his mark in the family that his siblings have since followed.

"For my two younger siblings and I, our older brother Connor really set the bar high," he said. "His successes in high school and college truly inspired us to work hard to improve as players and achieve my goals. He was a fantastic teammate to me when I was hurt my freshman year because he encouraged me to do my rehab and get healthy, so I can return to the field as soon as possible."

Press Clippings

Click here for WNBG's report from preseason media day last week.

Social Media Update

Courtesy of our team Instagram page, click here for the highlights from our team photo day last Friday.

Posted August 15, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu




August 12, 2022

Wrapping Up the Week

The Men's Soccer Daily Update runs Monday-Friday, so let's wrap up our first week with a series of updates, clips and notes. 

Welcome Habi Darling

Habi Darling is the newest member of the Binghamton Men's Soccer Coaching Staff. Click here for the press release which was posted today.

We caught up with Darling after Friday morning's training session to get his thoughts on joining the program.

"I'm really excited to join the staff," he said. "It's an opportunity to grow and learn the game and get more experiences from coaches who've been in the game a lot longer."

Darling has been with the Bearcats the entire first week of preseason and has been impressed with what he has seen.

"It's been great," he said. "It's been a good experience seeing how much the coaches work with the players to get the most out of them."

Press Clippings

Click here for FOX 40's report from yesterday's Fall Preseason Media Day.

Also, clip here for an interview with Will Noecker prior to Friday's Training Session.

Social Media Updates

Courtesy of our team Instagram page, click here to see what the Bearcat's circuit training is all about.

Also on our Instagram page, click here for a video recap of this morning's training session. 

By the Numbers

The most significant statistic of the week – the men's soccer team trained with temperatures in the mid to high 70s. That's a full 15 degrees cooler than last week, when the Bearcat women's soccer team reported back to campus to start their preseason.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Posted August 12, 2022 at 5:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 11, 2022

Meet the Press

It's become a tradition since the 2002 season – the men's soccer team along with the women's soccer team and volleyball squad meeting with the local Binghamton media.

On Thursday afternoon, head coach Paul Marco was joined at Preseason Media Day by seniors Michael Bush and Carter Beaulieu.

Some interesting takeaways:

Beaulieu trained up in Burlington, Vermont this summer with several members of the New Hampshire and Vermont squads. He said they were good guys but they jokingly reminded him of the results from last season.

Bush along with several other Binghamton teammates hosted the new transfer players last week when they arrived on campus. He said that the chemistry within the team was helped by that extra time.

Click the links below for the complete videos from media day

Head Coach Paul Marco
Michael Bush
Carter Beaulieu

Also, click here to check out an interview with PJ Parker before Thursday's training session.

Social Media Update

Click here for a photo gallery from Wednesday's morning session, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Up Next…

Time to say cheese as the Bearcats close out the week with team photo day on Friday.

Posted August 11, 2022 at 4 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 10, 2022

An Impressive Debut

The Binghamton men's soccer team has nine newcomers that it has been eager to welcome to the program this preseason. But without question, the most noticeable new addition the first day of training was the new turf that was installed in the Bearcats Sports Complex over the summer.

The old turf had covered both fields at the Bearcats Sports Complex since the facility opened in 2007. On Tuesday morning, the spirits were high on the field as the team took part in its first training session on the new surface.

"The new turf is outstanding," head coach Paul Marco said. "Thanks to the administration for upgrading our surface. I watched the women's team playing on it last week when they returned for preseason and I was really looking forward to today. It's terrific."

"It's definitely nice to have a brand new turf," senior goalkeeper Mats Roorda said. "It definitely creates a different atmosphere and adds to the professionalism here at Binghamton."

As a goalkeeper, Roorda got a taste of the new turf the first time he dove for ball during training.

"It's a little softer than the old turf," he said. "I think my shoulders and my knees are going to be thankful."

"It definitely felt great to step on the new turf for the first time today," senior forward Ethan Homler said. "When I first got out there and started passing the ball, it moved really crisply on the turf. The ball moves at a decently good speed.

Social Media Update

Our Instagram page kept track of the process of the turf being placed over the summer. Click here for a photo of the work in progress and click here for the completed project.

Sound Bites

Click here for an interview with senior back Michael Bush following Tuesday morning's training session.

Click here for an interview with Homler following Wednesday morning's training session.

Press Clippings

Click here for an article on redshirt freshman Casey Phillips in the Tompkins Weekly Newspaper. He has bounced back from an injury sustained last summer and is ready to finally get back to action.

Posted 1 p.m. on August 10, 2022
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



August 9, 2022

Welcome

Today, we start our 15th year of the Binghamton Men's Soccer Daily Update. In 2008, we started this blog as a way of connecting fans to the men's soccer program in a way that went beyond the stats and box scores. In the years that followed, this has also served as a hub for all of the social media posts, press clippings and video clips about the Bearcats.

For those of you who are new to the Binghamton Men's Soccer Daily Update, we'd like to extend a welcome to you. We would especially like to welcome the alums and parents of our program as well as members of the local media.

Feedback is always welcome – as are ideas for coverage. Please send everything to dobrian@binghatmon.edu.

The men's soccer team reported back for preseason training yesterday and is prepared to head out to the turf today.

We hope that the Binghamton Men's Soccer Daily Update will be a vital source of information for all of you during the 2022 season.

Posted August 9, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu