NOVEMBER 8, 2023

Thank You

Of all of the Men's Soccer Daily Update posts that I do each year – this is the toughest one. Because it's the final one of the season.

What started out as an experimental blog in 2008 has now become a staple of the Binghamton men's soccer season coverage. Each year, the coaching staff and players have granted us unlimited access to the program, which we deeply appreciate.

This was a season of peaks and valleys – but the last 10 days have definitely been a high point. Few parts of the year are more fulfilling than a playoff run. And the Bearcats have now had two of them in a row.

It's been my pleasure to cover the team through this blog, the website and social media in general this year. And I have many people to thank for making my efforts as successful as they have been:

Coach Marco and his staff of Tommy Moon, Colin Klingman and Harrison Williams.

All of the players who were interviewed this year.

The families who welcomed us to their post-game tailgate meals

Ashley Pickus – for her assistance with the website previews and recaps.

Jordan Dickman – for her outstanding graphics this year.

Laney Harbaugh – for her photos and videos.

Nick Landi – my colleague in the sports information office – for coordinating video interns to come shoot the games.

Maimoura Diara – who kept the substitutions in the press box – and kept this scorekeeper sane at some points.

Hailey Ehlers and Sarai Leon – for keeping the social media tweets going during the home matches

Roger Neel – Even though he has retired, he remains a passionate supporter of the Bearcats' men's soccer program. His Homecoming visits are a highlight of the season.

And finally, you the readers. Whether you are an alum, parent, media member of fan, your readership is the primary reason that I do this every year.

Thank you to all of you.

Sincerely,

David O'Brian
 


NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Not Him Again!

Okay – by now all of you have seen the video of the goal by Markos Touroukis against UMBC in the Bearcats' 1-0 win over UMBC on Saturday. It was not only his second goal of the week against the Retrievers – but the second straight game-winner there in a playoff game. That's what makes the broadcasters' call of the goal so fitting.

We know you have seen it – now check it out again by clicking here.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's Recap of the win at UMBC.

Social Media Update

Click here for the bus shot as the Bearcats left for Bryant earlier today - courtesy of our team twitter account.

The Last Time It Happened…

It's been eight years since Binghamton won a semifinal match – but that also happened on the road. Thanks to a second-half goal by Logan Roberts, the Bearcats won 1-0 at top-ranked UAlbany in 2015.

Click here for the recap.

Let's Go To The Video Tape…

Excellent camera work in the Bearcats' game-winning huddle on Saturday night. Click here to view it, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

The Rivalry Against UMBC

Without question, the Bearcats' rivalry with UMBC is one built upon mutual respect. Which makes it fitting that the two teams have met five times in the America East Tournament – including the past two years.

In all the years that the two teams have been in the conference – there has never been a cross word said between either team. The sentiment from the Bearcats is that UMBC is a class program. No arguments here.

Another member of UMBC's staff that needs to be singled out is their longtime Sports Information Director Steve Levy. He is the consummate professional, has always been gracious in victory and defeat and is a true role model to countless others in the field.

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

Speaking of 2015 – the Bearcats rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in overtime at Stony Brook in the America East quarterfinal round. Pascal Trappe netted the game-winning goal.

Click here for the recap

Posted November 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



November 3, 2023

Final Items Before the Playoffs

The Bearcats left for UMBC this morning – and a few final things to pass along:

A Good Omen?

The bus that the Bearcats are taking down to UMBC is the exact same one that the cross country teams took to Maine last week. The women's cross country team won the conference title during that trip.

Even the bus driver – Eric – is the same driver.

Hope that is a good sign.

Click here for a shot of the bus right before it pulled out of the Events Center lot for Baltimore, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Good Timing

The America East announced its All-Conference Teams this morning at 10 AM – right as the Bearcats were boarding the aforementioned bus.

We caught up with our two All-Rookie selections – Marcus Nahim and Alex Balkey. Here are their interviews, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Alex Balkey
Marcus Nahim

For the Record

Binghamton is 2-0-0 in playoff matches at UMBC. In addition to last year's 3-2 overtime decision, the Bearcats won 4-1 in the semifinal round in 2005.

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

A red-letter day for the Bearcats. They beat Stony Brook 1-0 on the road to win their second straight America East regular-season title. With a steady downpour for most of the match, Barry Neville late in the first half to give Binghamton the margin it needed to finish out the match.

Posted November 3, 2007 at 11 am.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



November 2, 2023

Rematches

Saturday's match won't be the first time that the men's soccer team has had an immediate rematch in the America East Tournament. It's not even the second time.

Since 2005, there have been three instances in which the Bearcats final regular-season opponent was also their first-round playoff opponent.

2005
Binghamton defeated Boston University 1-0 in overtime on Senior Day at the West Gym Field. Three days later, the Bearcats and Terriers went to penalty, which Binghamton won 5-4 – also at the West Gym Field.

2010
Binghamton defeated New Hampshire 1-0 in double overtime on Senior Day at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Exactly one week later, however, the Wildcats got payback with a 1-0 win – also at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

2022
Binghamton defeated UMBC 4-2 in their regular-season finale to lock up the No. 5 seed in the America East Tournament. Four days later, the Bearcats won 3-2 in overtime at UMBC.

Honorable Mention
Binghamton has lost twice to UAlbany in their regular season finale – in 2004 and 2015. Both losses knocked the Bearcats out of a first-round bye. Both times, they had to go to UAlbany for the semifinals. But both times they won.

Let's Go To The Video Tape

Click here for WBNG's coverage of yesterday's postseason media day. The reporter is Jacob Russo.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the UMBC tie. We once again request that Emily Ciarlo be the reporter on Saturday night.

Social Media Update

Another great batch of photos by Laney Harbaugh during training on Wednesday. Click here to view them - courtesy of our team Instagram account.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 2, 2005

The aforementioned 2005 Senior Day match took place on this day 18 years ago. Graham Munro, Danilo, Phil Grommett, Darius Ravengard, Luke Vallone, Joe Howe and Ryan Pierce formed perhaps the most accomplished Senior Class during the program's Division I era.
But it was junior Pete Sgueglia that netted the overtime game winner.

Posted November 2, 2023 at 11:45
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu

November 1, 2023

On to the Post Season!

At the start of the season – with the Bearcats' regular-season finale on Halloween – a team goal was to still be playing in November. That goal has now been realized for the second year in a row. That means more photos by Laney Harbaugh and more graphics by Jordan Dickman and more media coverage.

And Speaking of the Media …

The Bearcats held their post-season media session on Thursday afternoon, with head coach Paul Marco, Michael Bush and Will Noecker taking part in the event. Click here for photos, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Click the links below for the interview videos.

Coach Marco
Michael Bush
Will Noecker

Quick Turnaround

Less than an hour after media day, Noecker was down on the Events Center court, along with teammate Carlo Cavalar. They were there to work with the facilities crew at the men's basketball team's exhibition game against D'Youville.

Top Play Nominee?

We've been doing the Men's Soccer Daily Update since 2008 – and during that time, we have yet to see a goal like what Anthony Lazaridis scored last night.

We are sure you have viewed it – but if not, here it is courtesy of our team twitter account.

Since last night was October 31 – that means we have to submit it for our Plays of the Month ASAP!

By The Numbers

In a conference with four teams that have been nationally ranked during the past two seasons, Binghamton has gone 5-4-5 in America East action. In other words, the Bearcats have a winning record in conference play.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: November 1, 2014

The Bearcats defeated Stony Brook 5-1 in Senior Day at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Binghamton needed that victory to host a first round playoff game against those same Seawolves.

For the record, the Bearcats defeated Stony Brook in the decisive shootout to advance to the semifinals.

Posted November 1, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


OCTOBER 30, 2023

Senior Day Wrap Up

Some final links from Friday's Senior Day Ceremony:

Click here for the photos from the pre-game ceremony, courtesy of Laney Harbaugh.

Click here for the video from the ceremony, courtesy of Josh Faughn.

Reading List

The standings just got clearer over the weekend – but we are still waiting on scenarios. Click here to view them.

The Last Time It Happened...

Binghamton last made back-to-back America East Tournament appearances in 2015 and 2016.

Elsewhere on Campus

Congratulations to the women's cross country team on winning their first-ever America East championship. Also congratulations to the women's soccer team on capturing their second straight regular-season conference title.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: October 30, 2010

Tommy Klim's goal in double overtime vaulted the Bearcats to a 1-0 Senior Day win over New Hampshire. In the process, the Bearcats nailed down the No. 4 seed in the America East Tournament.

Posted October 30, 2023 at 2:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 26, 2023

Final Things Before Senior Day

With Senior Day coming on a Friday, we'll go through our last-minute updates now.

First, click here for a tribute by several members of the team for the five graduating Bearcats who will be taking part of the pregame ceremony.

Next, Laney Harbaugh was at it again on Tuesday afternoon, shooting video at training. Click here for her post.

Yesterday, we counted down our most memorable Senior Day Games. Now click here for photos from Senior Days over the years.

We caught up with Anthony Lazaridis – one of this year's honorees – after training on Tuesday. Click here for his interview.

Senior Day King?

Speaking of Lazaridis, he has scored three goals in the past two Senior Day Games. He was unaware of that fact until we brought it up in the above interview.

Elsewhere on Campus…

Finally, good luck to the Binghamton women's soccer team, which goes for its second regular-season America East title tonight at NJIT.

Posted October 26, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu


October 24, 2023

Top Senior Day Matches

Saturday marks the 23nd 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.

We are going in chronological order here….

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.

2010
Tommy Klim's goal in double overtime sparks the Bearcats to a 1-0 win over New Hampshire and clinches a quarterfinal home match.

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 sweet 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.

2019
Dan Mansfield's goal in the 67^th minute against UMBC lifts the Bearcats to a 1-0 win and all but assured them of a playoff berth after a two-year drought.

2022
Devin Heanue and Matthew Cozzetti each finished with a goal and an assist as the Bearcats defeated UMass Lowell 4-1.

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

2023, you are on the clock.

Posted October 24, 2023 at 1:50 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu


October 23, 2003

A Great Story

Since he arrived on campus last August, Cailen Thomas has been an easy player to root for. He red shirted his first year and didn't even see his first action until the Bearcats' match at Hofstra last month.

Still, he continued to work hard, improve and be a great friend and teammate to everyone around him.

Things have changed drastically for Thomas. Especially in the last week. He scored his first two career goals and was named the America East Rookie of the week.

To find out the team's perspective on Thomas, we talked to two veterans in the backfield - Will Noecker and Michael Bush.

"Cailen has grown immensely since coming to Binghamton," Noecker said. "I think he's been surrounded by some good defenders so he's learned a lot (ha ha). But no seriously, he's progressed a lot in such little time It's very impressive to see him and I'm happy for him he's shown it in training and now he's getting some goals and showing that he can do it in the game too so it's great to see."

"Since my time with him, Cailen has grown a ton," Bush said. "He is a player that always comes with the right attitude and is always looking to grow. It's been a blast watching him build and establish confidence and show who he is as a player while continuing to prove himself when the opportunity presents itself.

Playoff Madness

With six teams all within five points of first place in the America East standings with 10 days left the regular season, few people have a tougher job ahead of them than Ben Stockwell.

To clarify - Ben Stockwell is the America East's PR contact for men's soccer. He has done a great job since joining the conference two years ago and does just as good of work with other sports in the winer and the spring.

One of Stockwell's jobs these last two weeks is to keep team's informed with where they can finish in the regular-season standings. We don't announce any playoff clinching or seed until we get the go ahead from him.

Normally, we'd get Stockwell's take on the potential seedin s at this point in the season. But when we traded emails tonight… we told him that if anyone approaches him on the potential seedings - that he should tell them to go away.  ")

Needless to say, he definitely appreciated it - and added that could even be a five-way tie for first place (maybe).

Click here for the current America East standings.

Speaking of the tight playoff race, when Coach Marco called us after the win at Lowell, we could tell the tv was on in the bus.

We knew instantly that he was watching the other two conference matches on the way home.

One final note… with one more victory, the Bearcats will not only land in the playoffs, but would clinch their second straight winning record in conference play. Considering how strong the America East is, that would be no small fear.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap on the win at Lowell. The reporter was Emily Ciarlo, who has covered three of Binghamton's wins this season.

We think we know who we want in the press box on Friday against Bryant for the Senior Day match.

Thankfully, Emily will be there.

Posted October 23, 2023
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu


OCTOBER 19, 2023

Nice Things

A few heartening updates to go over as the team starts to prepare for UMass Lowell:

Jack Green has two very special visitors this past week – his parents Shani and David from Anchorage, Alaska. Although his mother and father saw him play during his career at American, this marked the first time that they had come up to Binghamton.

While David is from Alaska, Shani was actually born in New York. The Greens have other contacts on the East Coast so even though they are leaving town, they will be back for Senior Day next Friday.

We caught up with the Greens prior to the matches against Vermont and Cornell. They have been to Cortese Restaurant – a popular Italian place – but we believe they have yet to taste a Speedie.

Check out this photo of Jack, David and Shani, courtesy of our team Instagram account.
.
Next, Cailen Thomas' goal against Cornell was very popular among his teammates and other student-athletes at Binghamton. After redshirting last year, he has improved significantly this season and has started to see more playing time.

While the loss to the Big Red overshadowed the goal – everyone within the program was very happy for him.

Click here to see the video of the goal, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Posted October 19, 2023 at 12:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 18, 2023

Homecoming Recap

It's been a busy few days around here – but as promised – here is the Homecoming Weekend Recap, featuring Skip Curth and the 2003 Bearcat men's soccer team.

First – Skip Curth was a member of class of 1990. He played under longtime coach Tim Schum and was part of three SUNYAC Championship Teams (1987, 1988 and 1989).

Joining Curth on Saturday was his daughter Carla, who is a sophomore on the Binghamton women's lacrosse team.

Click here for a photo gallery of Curth, Coach Schum, Carla – and the rest of his family, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Click here for Carla's official profile on the Binghamton website. She was named to the America East All-Rookie Team last year as a freshman. 

As for the 2003 men's soccer team, they began their weekend with a dinner at nearby Copper Top Tavern on Friday night. Click here for a photo, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Next, they got together for an alumni match on Saturday morning and we were there to interview some of the returners. Click here for an interview with Ian Wendel and click here for an interview with Kyle Antos – both courtesy of our team twitter account. Also, click here for a group photo, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Then came the Hall of Fame ceremony. Click here for the roll call of the 2003 team, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Click here for the official Hall of Fame photos of Curth and the 2003 team, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Like Curth, the men's soccer team invited their families with them for the weekend. Cluck here for several family photos, courtesy of our team Instagram account. 

The 2003 team then met with the current players before their match against No. 22 Vermont – and the banter between that team was still in rare form.

When Graham Munro – who was inducted as an individual in 2013 introduced himself, his wording was classic:

"I'm Graham Munro, from Inverness Scotland, and I have been inducted twice – which is one more time than the rest of these (players)."

When Bryan Arnault, who give the induction speech, introduced himself, Munro reminded him that he missed a penalty kick in the 2003 America East title game. But Arnault, who was also on the 2006 championship team, had the ultimate comeback:

"How many titles do you have?"

Click here for a photo of that meeting, courtesy of the team Instagram account.

Finally, the team was introduced to the crowd during halftime of the Homecoming match against the Catamounts. They ended the session with their favorite victory chant. Click here for the video, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Reading List

Kudos to the Pipe Dream for their recap of the Hall of Fame inductions. Click here to read it. 

Click here for a complete recap of Homecoming Weekend for the Binghamton Athletic Department.

Let's Go To the Video Tape

Click here for a video recap of the Hall of Fame ceremony. Kudos to Nick Landi of the Binghamton Sports Information Office for putting this together.

Also, click here for Arnault's induction speech on behalf of the 2023 men's soccer team and click here for Curth's induction speech.

Parting Shot

What would the end of Homecoming Weekend be without the traditional fireworks. Click here for the video, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Posted October 18, 2023 at 10:30
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 16, 2023

Game 1,000

Tomorrow night against Cornell marks the 1,000^th match in the history of the Binghamton men's soccer program. Since 1960, Binghamton has compiled a record of 496-391-112 for a winning percentage of .552

Of the previous 999 matches, 498 of them took place before the Binghamton Athletic program moved up to the NCAA Division I level in August 2001.

During its storied history, Binghamton has made a combined 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament across all three division levels. It has also won eight conference titles and three ECAC crowns.

In addition, a combined eight players across the NCAA Division levels have been named All-Americans.

The Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame currently has nine men's soccer players, two coaches and a pair of teams that have been inducted.

Of the previous 999 matches, a combined total of just three coaches have led Binghamton in 984 of them. Tim Schum coached in 428 games, Hristos Dimitrou was the head coach in 162 contests while current head coach Paul Marco had coached in 394 matches. Together, these three men have coached in 98 percent of Binghamton's matches since 1960.

The match against Cornell will mark the 122^nd time that Binghamton has competed its current home facility – the Bearcats Sports Complex. In other words, 12 percent of its all-time matches have taken place on its current home turf.

With history calling – let's go through our milestone matches leading into tomorrow night:

Game 1 – 1960
Hartwick 6, Binghamton 1

Game 100 – 1972
Brockport 4, Binghamton 1.
This team went 12-4-1 and won the first ECAC title in program history.

Game 200 – 1978
Colgate 2, Binghamton 0
This team finished 7-7-1.

Game 300 – 1984
Binghamton 3, Buffalo 0
This team went 13-4-2 and advanced to the ECAC semifinals.

Game 400 – 1990
Binghamton 1, Oswego 1
This team went 9-6-3 and also advanced to the ECAC semifinals.

Game 500 – 1995
Fredonia 3, Binghamton 2
This team finished 8-8-1.

Game 600 – Sept. 2, 2001
Sacred Heart 5, Binghamton 2
This was just the second all time match during Binghamton's current Division I history.

Game 700 – Sept. 27, 2006
Maryland 3, Binghamton 0
This was the Bearcats' first-ever match against the defending NCAA champions during their Division I era. This team went on to sweep both the America East regular-season and conference titles.

Game 800 – Sept. 11, 2011
Ohio State 2, Binghamton 1
This game took place on the day that marked the 10^th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C.

Game 900 – Oct. 8, 2016
Binghamton 1, Cornell 1
This team went 7-6-6 and advanced to the America East quarterfinals.

So with all that said … Game 1,000 is now on the clock.

Coming Up ...

We'll recap the Homecoming Weekend for Skip Curth and the 2003 team tomorrow.

Stay tuned...

Posted October 16, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 13, 2023

Final Thoughts Before Homecoming

As we head into Saturday's match, a few more things to pass along:

First – the end of Friday's training session brought our annual Homecoming visit from Roger Neel. The retired WBNG morning host spoke to the team and wished them the best on Saturday night.

Click here for his words to the team, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Also at the end of training, men's soccer alums Keith Augeri, Stuart Berberich and Mike Greenberg stopped by and were greeted by the current Bearcats.

Click here for photos from our meeting with Roger and the alums, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Reading List

Speaking of alums, a great piece on the Binghamton University website about P.J. Parker, who graduated last year.

Click here to read it.

Social Media Update

Based on their social media accounts – it appears that some more of the 2003 alums are back on campus.

Click here for the evidence.

Speaking Too Soon?

Yesterday, we posted our Top 5 all time Homecoming matches, with the 2007 overtime win over Boston University ranked first. This morning, one of the 2003 alums (who shall remain nameless) reached out and said we jumped the gun and said Saturday would be tops after we won.

We'll revisit that on Monday.

Let's Go to The Video Tape

Click here for a video produced by Hunter Baumgartner of the Binghamton Sports Information Office. He miked up Will Noecker during Monday's training session and produced this piece.

Ten years ago was one of the more memorable Homecoming Matches as the Bearcats beat UMass Lowell 3-0. Logan Roberts finished with a goal and an assist – but it was Ben Nicholson's flip after scoring on a free kick in the opening minutes that remains a signature moment.

Click here for the highlights from that match.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats History: October 13, 2010

The first time we used the word Fernufel.

Scott Zobre's overtime goal lifted Binghamton to a 2-1 win over Hartford. In his interview afterwards, he described the chaos that led to his goal as a fernufel.

Evidently, that word caught the attention of the tv reporters who were at the post-game presser. That night on their reports, they debated as to what that word meant.

Posted October 13, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


OCTOBER 12, 2023

Painting the Paws & Best Homecoming Games

A lot to go over today…

Paint the Paws

The men's soccer team trained earlier in the day on Thursday – but there was another group of people getting ready for Homecoming Weekend at the Bearcats Sports Complex later in the day. That would be the Binghamton University Spirit Squads (Cheer Team, Kick Line, Dance Team and Pep Band). They were doing their annual Paint the Paws project, which takes place the Thursday before Homecoming Weekend.

Click here for some of photos of the Spirit Squads Painting the Paws, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Click here for an interview with Joe Morrissey of the BU Cheer Team, on what the Paint the Paws project – and Homecoming Weekend – means to he and his colleagues.

Next time we will see the Spirit Squads is when we walk out the Bearcats Sports Complex for Saturday's match against Vermont.

Dual Roles

Mo Taylor – the main PA announcer at the men's soccer home games will be off the microphone on Saturday. That's because he is the director of the BU Pep Band – the Screamin' Green. It's a role he has held since 2006.

Let's Go To the Videotape

Jeremy Donovan, who oversees the streaming video operations within the Binghamton Athletic Department, has been running a Plays of the Month series the past two seasons.

Today, he posted the Athletic Department's Top Plays for September. Let's just say, there are a good number of men's soccer highlights that made the cut.

Click here to view the Top Plays video.

Social Media Update

We caught up with Sean Fitzgerald before Thursday's training session. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter account. 

Top 5 List – Homecoming Games

Yesterday we asked the current Bearcats to tell us about their favorite Homecoming memories. Today it's our turn.

Here are the Top 5 Homecoming Games on our list since the Bearcats Sports Complex opened in 2007.

5. 2010.

Ryan Walter's goal early in the match leads the Bearcats to a 1-0 win over Vermont. The majority of the 2,240 fans had yet to find their seats when Walter scored.

4. 2016.

Nikos Psarras nets a pair of goals, leading Binghamton to a 3-0 win over Buffalo. It remains the Bearcats' last win on Homecoming Weekend.

3. 2013.

Binghamton defeats UMass Lowell 3-0. But it's the first goal by Ben Nicholson that remains an iconic moment. After converting a free kick just three minutes into the match, he went over to the sidelines and did a backflip right in front of University Photographer Jonathan Cohen. Cohen said he'd stay at the match the first five minutes because he had several other locations to be at that night on campus. Let's just say, Cohen was able to leave right after Nicholson's goal.

2. 2008.

Cameron Keith's goal midway through the second half lifts the Bearcats past defending America East champion Vermont 1-0. The crowd of 2,534 marked the first sellout in the history of the Bearcats Sports Complex.

1. 2007.

Expect anything different?

Cameron Keith's second goal of the match – in the wanning seconds of the first sudden-death overtime – gives Binghamton a 2-1 win over Boston University. The celebration the stands with the crowd remains the signature moment from Homecoming Weekend over the years.

With this list – the 2023 Homecoming match is now on the clock.

Posted October 12, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 11, 2023

Favorite Homecoming Memories

The Bearcats continue to train for their match on Saturday against No. 22 Vermont.

A few notes to pass along for that match:

This will mark the fifth time that Binghamton and Vermont will square off on Homecoming Weekend – but the first time since 2012. That makes the Catamounts most frequent Homecoming opponent. The final score of each match has been 1-0. The Bearcats won the 2008 and 2010 Homecoming games but the Catamounts were victorious in 2012 and 2014. In each of the Vermont triumphs, the winning goal came on a penalty kick in double overtime.

This will mark the third time since 2017 that the Bearcats have faced a nationally-ranked team on Homecoming Weekend. The Bearcats tied then No. 17 UMBC 1-1 in 2017 but lost 4-1 to then fifth-ranked New Hampshire in 2021.

Bearcat Memories

None of the current Binghamton players have faced Vermont on Homecoming Weekend. We caught up with several of them, however, to get their favorite memories of playing on Homecoming Weekend since they have been at Binghamton.

Click here for the interviews, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Social Media Update

We also caught up with Cailen Thomas after training on Wednesday to talk about the week of training and look ahead to Saturday's match.

Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter page.

Now click here for the America East's graphic on what has been a very tight conference season so far.

999 and Counting….

Did you know that Tuesday's match against Cornell will be the 1,000^th in the history of the men's soccer program?

Heading into the season, the Bearcats had an all-time record of 493-384-110 in 987 matches since 1960. That marks a .555 winning percentage.

It also mean's that Saturday's Homecoming match will be match number 999.

Posted October 11, 2022
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 10, 2023

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Homecoming Week always starts off better with a result in the previous match. That's just what Binghamton got on Saturday at UAlbany with its 3-1 win.

Before we move on to Homecoming Week, let's wrap up the three-point trip up I-88.

Reading List

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

By the Numbers

Between Binghamton's men's and women's soccer teams and volleyball squad, the Bearcats are the only unbeaten program in conference play so far this season. Their combined record is 7-0-4.

Let's Go To the Video Tape

Click here for the video of Calvin Moe's goal against the Great Danes on Saturday, courtesy of our men's soccer Instagram page.

Click here for an interview with America East Rookie of the Week Anthony Randazzo, courtesy of our men's soccer Twitter account.

Social Media Update

Click here for some photos of from the Albany match, courtesy of Bruce Dudek.

Looking Ahead

The men's soccer team took time out after their training session on Monday to make BU coasters for the alums who are returning to campus this weekend. Click here for some photos, courtesy of our men's soccer Instagram account.

Posted October 10, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



October 6, 2023

Heading Up I-88

Binghamton trained through the week and is preparing to head up Interstate 88 to Albany for tomorrow night's America East match against the Great Danes.

We caught up with Jack Green yesterday to get his thoughts about the week of training the Bearcats have had.

"The team has had a good week of training as we prepare for UAlbany," he said. "We have put in some good performances these last few games and are now looking to turn those into results."

We also interviewed Anthony Lazaridis before training on Thursday. Click here for the interview – courtesy of our team's twitter account.

Finally, Laney Harbaugh was out at training on Thursday. Click here for the photos she got, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the match against NJIT last weekend.

Click here to see where Jack Green continues to rank in the America East statistics.

Binghamton's Athletic Department has announced its Homecoming Weekend activities, including the Hall of Fame ceremony, pre-game tailgate and men's soccer match. Click here to read the release.

Let's Go To The Videotape

Click here for a field level view of Jack Green's goal against NJIT last Saturday. Kudos to Chris Carrara for the great camera work.

Social Media Update

Each Friday, we've been rolling out our WHY I CHOSE BINGHAMTON series. Click here for today's entry, courtesy of our team twitter account. Kudos to Hailey Ehlers for her continued postings.

Also Kudos to Jordan Dickman for her continued Game Day graphics. Click here for the Game Day graphic from our match against NJIT.

The Last Time it Happened…

It's been eight years since the Bearcats won at UAlbany – but it was perhaps the most significant match against the Great Danes in recent history.

Click here for the recap of our 1-0 AE semifinal win against the top-seeded Great Danes, which punched out ticket to our last AE title game.

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

We've had 15 Homecoming matches at the Bearcats Sports Complex, but nothing has come close to topping the first one.

Cameron Keith's second goal of the match, in overtime against Boston University, set off a celebration in the stands with the fans. Binghamton won that contest 2-1 to improve to 7-2-0.

Click here for perhaps the most iconic Homecoming photo we have.

Posted October 6, 2023
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



OCTOBER 4, 2023

The 2003 Team

As the current men's soccer team has a week to train for its match at UAlbany on Saturday, its time to look back at the other Men's Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee on Homecoming Weekend – the 2003 Bearcats.

The landmark day for that team was Nov. 15, 2003 – the day the Bearcats dethroned Northeastern to win the America East title in just its third year as a Division I program.

To fully appreciate the events of November 15, 2003 - when the men's soccer team won its first-ever America East title - one must examine the climate surrounding the program a scant three months earlier.

In August of that year, the Bearcats reported back for preseason having won just 12 times over the previous three seasons. Binghamton was entering only its second season in the America East Conference and was picked to finished eighth in the league's preseason poll. 

The media interest in the team was minimal at best. There was no interest in a preseason media day and when the conference poll came out that year, one local TV station added insult to injury. In going over the preseason poll, the station showed video of Bucknell scoring twice against the Bearcats in a game from the previous year. 

What the media and national soccer community was unaware of was the storm that was about to take place on the Binghamton campus. The men's soccer team had an emerging superstar in Graham Munro, a proven leader in captain Stephen Bruce and a charismatic midfielder in Danilo. Second-year head coach Paul Marco had also brought in a freshman class that included goalkeeper Stefan Gonet. Added to that were seniors Pat Skinner, James Clancy and Ian Wendel - who were determined to help turn around the program in their final year.

With that chemistry in place, Binghamton went 10-2-6 in the regular season. The Bearcats finished with the top ranked defense in the nation and earned the second seed in the America East Tournament.

It wasn't just the wins that endeared Binghamton to the fans and community. It was how they played. The non-stop chatter and competitiveness could be heard in the stands. The players were not afraid to speak their minds to their teammates in the heat of battle, which was a testament to how close they were as a group.

Their intensity was also seen in their laser focus before matches. When the Binghamton Athletic Department Game Day Staff asked the Bearcats to make a warmup CD, they declined. Instead, they asked the department to make their own CD. All they cared about was winning.

By the time the playoffs rolled around, the media began to view the Bearcats quite differently. Weekly press conferences became a staple and the reporters were starting to get attached to the list of nicknames on the squad. Even when the Binghamton basketball teams were starting up their seasons, the top media story was the men's soccer season. And this was BEFORE the America East Tournament started.

Binghamton defeated Hartford 1-0 in the America East semifinals before a packed West Gym Field. This set the most anticipated sporting event on Binghamton's campus in years - the America East title game against defending champion Northeastern. The Huskies were the only team in the conference to have defeated Binghamton during the 2003 season.

When Binghamton announced its move to the NCAA Division I level five years earlier, the university expected good things to happen in due time. When the America East formally admitted Binghamton into its membership on April 18, 2001, the athletic department envisioned championships down the road. But few people could have anticipated the men's soccer program would be one of the first programs to reach that level of excellence. Prior to Marco becoming the head coach, the men's soccer program had one of the lowest team winning percentages among all of Binghamton's teams. 

The games against Northeastern - played before another full house at the West Gym Field - went into a decisive penalty kick shootout after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw. In the end, however, the Bearcats won the decisive penalty kick round 3-2 and concluded their improbable run to the championship. 

The season, however, was far from over.

Two days after the victory over Northeastern, the local media and campus administration was out in full force to see the men's soccer team - not at practice but instead watching television. ESPN News carried the NCAA Men's Soccer Selection Show and the team gathered on campus to find out their destination. The Bearcats earned a trip to No. 15 Fairleigh Dickinson for the first round. That game would be played on Saturday, Nov. 22.

By now, the campus and community were glued to the team. The Bearcats actually conducted interviews as they got on the bus to head to Fairleigh Dickinson. To everyone around them, the men's soccer team had nothing more to prove. They were champions and everything else was the cherry on top.

The Bearcats, however, had other thoughts. As they warmed up for their game at Fairleigh Dickinson someone suggested that they take a group photo before the match, to commemorate the milestone in program history. 

"We didn't come here for a photo," Munro said. 

Needless to say, there was no pregame photo. But after beating host Fairleigh Dickinson 1-0, Munro and his teammates posed for all of the photos anyone wanted. What made the day more memorable was that a large contingent of fans from Binghamton made the trip and were more vocal that the home crowd throughout the match.

Back on campus, the Binghamton women's basketball team was hosting Syracuse in its season opener at West Gym. The game was close and the crowd was into the action. But the biggest roar from the crowd came when the men's soccer win over Fairleigh Dickinson was announced. 

Under normal circumstances, the men's soccer team would be heading home for Thanksgiving. In 2003, however, they were heading to St. Louis to face the seventh-ranked Billikens in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Binghamton took St. Louis to overtime before losing 1-0. The mood of the team was somber. Even though no one expected them to get this far, the players expected to win. The three seniors were in tears. Although their season was over, the resolve of the squad was still there.

The 2003 season launched the men's soccer team into one of the greatest eras any Binghamton program has ever had. They advanced to a conference-record six consecutive title games, were nationally ranked three times and returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2006. 

Needless to say, in the years that followed the 2003 championship, preseason media day was must-cover event for the local reporters.

Posted October 4, 2023 at 4:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 
 
OCTOBER 3, 2023

Skip Curth

With tonight's previously scheduled match against Bucknell having been canceled, we'll focus on another topic today. Next weekend is the Hall of Fame inductions, which features both the 2003 Bearcat men's soccer team as well as 1990 men's soccer alum.

We'll get to the 2003 men's soccer team tomorrow – but today, we've asked Curth's coach Tim Schum to give us his take on what made Curth so special.

Here is Coach Schum:

In order to ascend for consideration as a Hall of Fame inductee, all our Binghamton University athletes have to demonstrate personal qualities, attributes as it were, that have them stand out amongst their peer groups.

Men's soccer alumnus George "Skip" Curth induction is no exception as an examination of his career reveals characteristics that many of his predecessors also processed.

First Skip loves the game of soccer. He came to us from Garden City High School as a talented player but left Binghamton having dedicated himself to improving his skills such that by his final years he achieved a host of honors within the University, within our conference and within our region!

His passion for the game included a desire for self-improvement. I can recall he and a teammate, Kevin Martin, frequently borrowing a bag of soccer balls and practicing on their own outside our normal training sessions. It was such self-motivation and hard work that enabled Skip to achieve the prestigious Hall of Fame induction. 

Skip was also a great leader and teammate. It was no coincidence that Binghamton won 75% of its matches during the Curth era including capturing three SUNY Conference titles and earning three NCAA Division III Tournament bids.

 I should mention that Skip's career was supported by a close-knit family that on one occasion, included hosting our team for a meal following a game on Long Island.

Skip's accomplishments in the classroom mirrored his stellar athletic career. Upon graduation from our School of Management he was able to move on and graduate from Columbia University with an MBA degree.

In all probability it has been the skill set developed both on the sports field and in our Binghamton classrooms that has enabled Skip Curth's highly-successful business career.  

In closing I might share that in the era of the 1980s and with little to offer potential BU enrollees I recall taking Skip to lunch at a local restaurant. I don't know if I was violating some little-known NCAA rule at the time or not. But as time has revealed, those few dollars, as Skip Curth's accomplishments have proven, were one of the wisest investments one could have made.

 I should also mention that Skip has been a great supporter of our athletic program and that includes enrolling his daughter Carla at BU. That the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Carla, a skilled lacrosse team member, was named to the America East All-Rookie team this past spring as BU advanced to its first-ever America East title game. So congratulations also to Carla this evening!

Reading List

Click here for Carla Curth's women's lacrosse website bio. 

Posted October 3, 2023 at 4:20 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu

 

September 29, 2023

Catch Up Time

It's been a hectic week – both for the Bearcats and this blogger – so we have a lot to catch up on today.

Nationally-Ranked Opponents

Binghamton has played two straight ranked opponents – something it has not done since 2010. Did you know that 13 years ago, the Bearcats opened their season against FOUR straight nationally-ranked teams?

Click here to access that schedule and see for yourself.

Alumni Following

Homecoming isn't for another two weeks but quite a few alums were on hand at Hofstra on Tuesday night for the Bearcats' match against the No. 19 Pride. Justin Leskow, Zach Galluzzo and Harrison Weilbacher were just a few of the names that Coach Marco mentioned to us during our post-game interview. He said that several of them will be on hand for alumni weekend.

We look forward to welcoming all of them back.

In Case You Missed It

Check out the video of Jack Root's first-have saves in the match at No. 19 Hofstra on Tuesday. Click here to go to our team twitter account to view it.

Kudos

Laney Harbaugh – who volunteers with our office – was out at training on Thursday to shoot a video that will be posted on Friday afternoon. She has been very active this season with both photos and videos and has been doing a great job.

Click here for a photo of her from training on Thursday, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Fun and Games

Markos Touroukis was interviewed after training on Thursday – but not before he had to dodge an errant water bath.

Click here for the video, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Social Media Updates

Each week, we have been posting graphics from our newcomers on why they chose to come to Binghamton. Click here for this week's post featuring Jack Green, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Kudos to Hailey Ehlers, who also volunteers with our office, for putting these together each week.

Also, continued Kudos to Jordan Dickman for her Game Day graphics. Click here for the post from this Tuesday's match, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Reading List

Click here to see where Green ranks in the current America East statistics.

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

One of the signature moments in recent history – the first men's soccer match ever at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Cameron Keith recorded a hat trick as the Bearcats beat Cornell 3-0 before 1,800 fans.

Posted September 29, 2023 at 11:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

UNH Wrap Up

We try to get every player at least one interview for our social media before they meet with the media after a match. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case with Jack Root. Lucky for us, he was just as sharp with his post game interview as he was during the match against No. 18 UNH.

Root, who transferred from Concord last year, was if he remembers the last match he started in goal.

"Yes, the score was 7-0," he said.

That answer led the next questions – was it a win or a loss?

"It was a loss," he replied.

We all get a kick out of that answer.

Later on, we asked Root what exactly happened in that match he played for Concord last fall.

"Actually, in that game, the team we were facing (nationally-ranked Davis & Elkins) was down a player for most of the game," he said. "All seven of their goals were scored with just 10 men. It was a huge mess. There is no other way to put it."

Like Davis and Elkins, New Hampshire was also a nationally-ranked team. But Root was sure that the result wouldn't be the same."

"I knew today would be better," he said. "But there seems to be something about me and making my debut against ranked opponents."

Root went from allowing seven goals last year to none on Saturday against the Wildcats. He views that as a testament to how far he has come since arriving at Binghamton.

"I'm a completely different player than I was last year," he said. "One hundred percent. That's a testament to the players and coaching staff here. We push ourselves every day. We are all trying to get progressively better each day."

Social Media Updates

Lots of them....

Click here for some photos from the match against New Hampshire, courtesy of our team twitter account.

The America East was equally as impressed with Root's save in the 86^th minute on Saturday. Click here for their post.

Jordan Dickman continues to crank out great game day graphics. Click here for her one for the UNH match, courtesy of our team Instagram account. Little did Dickman know that Saturday was Ramsey Tilgner's birthday and that Calvin Moe would be one of the top players in Saturday's match. 

Finally, Laney Harbaugh continues to get out to training and nail top-notch photos. Click here for photos from her visit to last Thursday's session. 

On the Menu

Plenty of good Italian food at the post game tailgate on Saturday – highlighted by Pasta and garlic knots.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 25, 2021

Before 2,605 fans at the Bearcats Sports Complex, Binghamton defeats Stony Brook 1-0 on Family Weekend to improve to 6-2 (1-0 AE). That match would mark the final time the Seawolves came to town before moving to the Colonial Athletic Association.

Click here for the recap.

Posted September 25, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


September 21, 2023

The ESPN Voice of the Bearcats

For those fans who are from out of town or across the Atlantic Ocean, Jason Weinstein has been a vital link to the Bearcats. He has been the primary voice of the Binghamton men's soccer programs for the past few years.

Weinstein is no stranger to Binghamton Athletics. He was the assistant sports director at WICZ FOX 40 a decade ago and was a fixture on the sidelines for several men's soccer matches both at the Bearcats Sports Complex and at the old West Gym Field.

Click here for a photo of Weinstein preparing for Tuesday night's broadcast.

Social Media Updates

Courtesy of our men's soccer Instagram page, check out this angle on Anthony Lazaridis' second-half goal against the Peacocks on Tuesday evening.

Great to have Binghamton University's photographer Jonathan Cohen on hand for the match against the Peacocks. Click here for some of his photos, courtesy of the men's soccer twitter account.

Reading List

Click here to see where Jack Green ranks in the current America East statistics. 

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

A Long Time Rivalry

Binghamton and New Hampshire have had many memorable matches in Vestal since the series first started in 2002. That series will continue on Saturday evening at the Bearcats Sports Complex.
Here are some of our favorite ones:

2002 – At the old West Gym Field, Michael Austin had a goal and an assist in Binghamton's 3-1 win.

2004 – In an America East quarterfinal matchup, the two teams played to a scoreless draw before the Bearcats won the decisive shootout 3-2. The match had to be moved to a practice field due to the muddy conditions.

2008 – In another America East quarterfinal match, Cameron Keith has a goal and an assist as Binghamton wins 3-1.

2010 – Tommy Klim's goal in double overtime gives the Bearcats a 1-0 win on Senior Day and clinches a first-round home match.

2012 – Jake Keegan's goal in overtime gives the Bearcats a 2-1 win in their conference opener.

2018 – Noah Luescher has a goal and an assist as Binghamton defeats No. 23 New Hampshire on Family Weekend before a facility-record crowd of 3,265 fans at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Click here for the recap.

Posted September 21, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Back to Work

Well - at least for this blogger, it was a weekend away visiting family. But for the Bearcats, they took the team to prepare for Tuesday's home match again St. Peter's. 

Click here for an interview with Michael Bush following training on Monday, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Breaking Through

It took a month for Charlie Kaldor to break into the starting lineup but he made the most of his opportunity against Canisius. He tallied the assist on the game-winning goal against the Griffs. We caught up with Kaldor on Friday after training. Click here for the interview.

Reading List

Jack Green continues to ranks among the America East stat leaders. Click here for the last numbers on the America East website.

Social Media Update

Click here for the Bearcats' breakdown huddle following Monday's training session, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

This Day in Binghamton Bearcats History: September 18, 2021

Binghamton wins 2-0 at Monmouth. Click here for the recap.

The Last Time it Happened...

The Bearcats' most recent match was a wild 3-2 win over St. Peter's at the Bearcats Sports Complex on Sept. 9, 2015. Click here for the recap.

Posted September 18, 2023 at 5:40 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Victory in Buffalo

Plenty to go over from last night's 2-0 win in Buffalo. We caught up with several of last night's heroes and got their reaction to the team's performance:

"It was a great game for us today we came out with intensity and were very competitive in the game. We did very well, putting pressure on them and winning the ball high up the field which is something we've been working on in training so it's nice to see that come out in the game. As a center back it felt incredible to get a clean sheet as well -  it was our first one of the season - so hopefully this will set the tone for us going forward and we can continue to stop the opposition's attack and then keep scoring goals with our attack the guys did great up there today so overall it was a great win and we look to build on this in the coming weeks starting conference play in 10 days."

- Will Noecker

"It was a fantastic game from the boys. We had a lot of desire today due to the recent Lafayette game and it showed today. The discipline was on point. The energy was on point. All the dots were connecting this game and it shows in the result. We plan to continue the momentum with our upcoming games and hopefully come out with similar results."

- Marcus Nahim

"It was a great game today. The team showed a lot of fight and discipline. Everyone showed that they were willing to put themselves on the line for the team and do whatever it takes to achieve what we want to achieve. From a personal standpoint, it felt incredible to get my first start, an assist, and a clean sheet. The whole team is buzzing and I'm really excited for what's to come."

- Charlie Kaldor

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the match. The reporter was Emily Ciarlo. 

What Was That Dance?

You might have noticed Nahim breaking out in a dance after he was mobbed by the team after his goal. We asked him last night about it.

"It's called the Happy Feet or Butterfly," he said. "It's African footwork."

For those of your wondering, here is a video tutorial of the dance.

Nahim also made a bit of history – in a very usual way. He became the first Binghamton player to get his first goal and first yellow card in the same match.

"That's pretty unique," he said. "I will claim that."

One final note on Nahim – he is also a member of the Binghamton track & field team, so after his goal, we sent the video to his sprint coach Jesse Fuca. Needless to say, he was pumped.

Social Media Update

Click here for some photos of the match, courtesy of our team Instagram Account

The Last Time It Happened

Last night was not the first time the Bearcats scored two quick goals. In 2017, they scored a pair of goals in just 35 seconds – also at Canisius. Click here for the highlights from that match six years ago.

Posted September 14, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

Odds and Ends

Several miscellaneous things to go over before we head to Canisius.

A few video interviews with the team as they trained for Wednesday's match. Click here for a chat with Joe Spires and and here for an interview with Anthony Randazzo, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap from Saturday night's match against Lafayette.

Jack Green continues to rank among the top scorers in the America East. Click here for the current conference stats.

On the Menu

Saturday's post-game tailgate spread included Nirchi's Pizza, Jimmy John's Subs, Chips and cookies. Definitely a good start to the year.

Social Media Update

Click here for photos of the Bearcats' lifting session last week, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 12, 2001

Have to mention this one again.

From a distance, this looked like a normal soccer match at the West Gym Field on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. It was anything but normal as Binghamton and Stony Brook squared off the day after the September 11 attacks.

Four days earlier, the crowd at West Gym Field was at a fever pitch as Binghamton and Marist battled into overtime. Against Stony Brook, however, there was erie silence and for good reason.

The final score was 1-0 Stony Brook. The chance to have a sense of normality, however, was what truly mattered for the two teams.

Posted September 12, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

Never Forget

Every September 11, we reach out to Keith Augeri, who was a member of the 2001 Binghamton men's soccer team. That team was slated to play Stony Brook on that Tuesday afternoon 22 years ago -- but of course that match was postponed due to the attacks that morning in New York City and Washington D.C.

The next day – with Stony Brook unable to get back to Long Island – the two teams agreed that playing the match would serve as a healing moment for both teams. It was believed to be the only sporting event that day in the state.

Every September 11, Augeri, who is now a high school social studies teacher in Long Island, tells his students the story of that week. But this year, none of his current students were born at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"Obviously, I am speaking with kids that were not even born yet," he said. "It is pretty crazy to think we are 22 years later. It just reinforced the importance of speaking about the experiences that I and others had on that day."
 
On a personal note, the sports information contact for Stony Brook that day was Shannon Hart, who remains a close friend of mine. Together, we joined the teams and watched the ongoing coverage on TV. The next day, we worked the toughest game of our career. So glad it was Shannon who was the colleague with me during those two days. Looking back – I don't remember much about that match but I do remember how powerful the National Anthem was.
 
One final note – the 2001 team remains one of most significant ones I have worked with during my 23-year career at Binghamton. They were a first-year Division I program that loss so many one-goal games and overtime decisions against more experienced teams. Their close 1-0 loss on September 12 of that season was closer than the 4-0 setback the previous season.
 
The head coach of that 2001 team, Hristos Dimitrou, was in his final season. Two years ago, he was inducted into the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
We'll get back to the current season tomorrow – but on this 22-year anniversary, here's to Keith, Shannon and the 2001 Binghamton and Stony Brook teams for all we went through on that day.
 
Posted September 11, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

Final Thoughts Before Lafayette

We caught up with Jack Green after training on Thursday to get his thoughts as the team gets set for unbeaten Lafayette.

"Since the first game of the season, we have been consistently improving as a team," he said. "The St. Bonaventure game was a great step towards what we want to achieve this season and a testament to the group's hunger to secure the win. Tomorrow's match against Lafayette will be a great opportunity for us to continue to build on our foundations as we get closer to conference play."

With the heat shortening the Bearcats' training sessions the previous few days, we caught up with head coach Paul Marco after a full session on Friday afternoon.

"The good part about this week is that we had minimal training after Tuesday match so the guys should be fresh for tomorrow," he said. "Overall, the guys have come and continued to work hard on their individual stuff as well as collective stuff."

Finally, we chatted with Marcus Nahim after Friday's training session. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Posted September 8, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Odds and Ends 

Just a few things as the Bearcats continue to train for Saturday's home match at Lafayette:

1. The hot weather continues on campus, which has made training more of a challenge. Fortunately, there is rain in the forecast the next few days, which will cool things off.

2. Speaking of Lafayette, its been nine years since the Bearcats and Leopards have squared off. It marks the longest gap the Bearcats have had against an opponent on their schedule this season.

Cat Couples

Just saw on Facebook yesterday that Chris Hayen (Class of 2010) and Jen Fiorentino are celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary. Jen played volleyball for the Bearcats at the same time Chris was the men's soccer team's starting goalkeeper. Years later, we wrote a feature article on the two of them. Click here to read it. 

Chris and Jen are both class acts and we wish them many more years of happiness ahead of them.

Bearcats in the Pros

One of Chris Hayen's teammates is still playing soccer - albeit on the professional level. Jake Keegan is still competing in the United Soccer League - with One Knoxville SC. Click here for his bio on the team website. 

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 7, 2018

Andrew McDonnell scores the game-winning goal in the 81st minute as the Bearcats win 2-1 at Lehigh. Click here to read the recap.




SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

St. Bonaventure Wrap Up

Lots to go over from last night's victory. But this factoid stands out the most – it took until Sept. 27 last year for the Bearcats to win their first match. This year, it only took them until Sept. 5.

Green Day Tuesday

Binghamton University celebrates Green Day Friday each week. It's a day for the entire university to wear green to promote school spirit.

On Tuesday night at the Bearcats Sports Complex, it was Jack Green who continued his outstanding season with a goal and an assist.

So far in four matches, Green has two goals and two assists and has played a role in four of the five Binghamton goals so far this season.

To see where Green currently ranks in the America East statistics, click here for a graphic, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Record High

The only thing hotter than Green on Tuesday night was the weather.

Green is originally from Anchorage, Alaska, where the weather was far less humid than it was on Tuesday night at the Bearcats Sports Complex. While the temperature was 58 back in his hometown, it was 85 at kickoff in Vestal.

For the first time in a regular-season match since the facility opened – there was a water break for both teams mid-way through the first half.

"It was definitely hot out there," Green said afterwards. "Both teams really had to battle the elements tonight."

On a personal note, this blogger sweated his way through his game day shirt and had to run out to Kohls two hours before kickoff to get a new shirt – and a towel.

A Special Night

Jack Green wasn't the only Bearcat who had a memorable night against St. Bonaventure. Redshirt freshman Gaven Egan made his first career appearance late in the second half. When his name was announced, the crowd gave him a good round of applause.

We caught up with Egan before today's training session to get his thoughts. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter account.

And here is a photo of Gaven and his family celebrating after the match, courtesy of our team Instagram.

Let's Go To the Video Tape

Apologies are owed to our local media, which was only able to stay for the first half last night. With the score being 0-0 at the break, they missed all of the scoring.

Still, click here for Ian Mills' FOX report of the match.

Also, click here for Brian Rudman's report on WIVT.

Hopefully, things will work out next time for them.

Elsewhere on Campus

The temperature wasn't much cooler in the West Gym on Tuesday night but that didn't stop the volleyball team from sweeping Le Moyne in three straight sets.

Click here for the recap.

Social Media Update

Outstanding sideline footage from last night's match is up on our Instagram page. Click here for Jack Green's goal.

Game Ball

Other than Jack Green, the game ball on Tuesday night goes to Binghamton multimedia director Jeremy Donovan, who had to produce both the men's soccer and volleyball matches at the same time. Under the same heat conditions.

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

Tommy Moon – the current Bearcats' assistant coach – scored the lone goal of the match in the first half, leading Binghamton to a 1-0 victory at American University.

Interesting note, Jack Green transferred from American University, where he completed his undergraduate degree this year.

Posted September 6, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

Final Thoughts Before St. Bonaventure

We caught up with some of the players following Monday's training session to get their thoughts on tonight's home opener against St. Bonaventure.

"Training has been going great and we are making a lot of progress. The difference from the start of preseason to now is night and day. We can't wait to finally play at home & give a good performance in front of our friends and families."

- Anthony Lazaridis

"Even though the first three games didn't bring the results we wanted, we were able to progressively improve as a collective. These improvements are also evident in training, we are growing more and more together as a team and now we finally have to convert this into results. Even though road games bring a certain excitement, there is nothing better than playing in your own stadium in front of a home crowd - our fans deserve a good performance and a win."

- Diego Vargas

Social Media Update

Another gem of a Game Day graphic by Jordan Dickman. Click here for it, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: September 5, 2009

Kyle Manscuk scores in overtime as the Bearcats beat Colgate 1-0 to improve to 2-0-0 on the season. Manscuk had just received his long-awaited new cleats the day of the match and definitely put them to good use.

Posted September 5, 2023
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

Labor Day Notes

A few final links from the Colgate match on Friday night.

Click here for Jack Green's goal, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Click here for some photos from Friday night's match, courtesy of Brian Miller.

Social Media Update

We caught up with Markos Touroukis after Monday afternoon's training session. Click here to view it, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

In Case You Missed It ....

Check out this video in which head coach Paul Marco was miked up at last Wednesday's training session.

In Case You Need It ...

Here is the PDF of our game program for the St. Bonaventure match tomorrow night.

Click here for the match preview and links.

Posted on September 4, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton,edu



SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Final Thoughts Before Colgate

We caught up with Sean Fitzgerald after training on Thursday afternoon to get his final thoughts before tonight's match at Colgate.

"The boys are really looking forward to going up against a hard-working Colgate side who we've been pretty familiar with over the past few seasons," he said. "We are approaching this game again with the right mentality and looking back, we can take a lot of positives away from the William & Mary and Syracuse matches. We've tuned up on some moments from those games this past week. We're excited and ready to get after it tomorrow night."

The Last Time It Happened….

There is no more overtime in regular-season matches. Two years ago, however, when the Bearcats made their most recent trip up to Colgate, there was.

Who can forget the way that match ended, with Rory Anderson scoring in the waning seconds of the second and final sudden-death overtime period. That dramatic goal gave the Bearcats a 2-1 win in their season opener on Aug. 26, 2021.

Click here to watch the video of Anderson's heroics, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of our match at top-ranked Syracuse.

Elsewhere on Campus

Congrats to the Binghamton women's soccer team on winning their first match of the season, 3-0 against Le Moyne last night at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Click here for the recap.

Social Media Update

Click here for our game day graphic for tonight's match at Colgate, courtesy of our team Instagram account. Kudos again to Jordan Dickman for her continued design work.

Posted September 1, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 31, 2023

Breakfast in Binghamton

Like most of his teammates on Thursday morning, Diego Vargas made sure to have a good breakfast before his 8:15 a.m. class and the noon training session. Where we went for breakfast – and when – was not a problem.

The Binghamton athletic department hosted their 4.0 GPA breakfast on Thursday morning for those student-athletes who attained perfection in the classroom during the recent Spring 2023 semester. Vargas was of those students.

Between bacon, French Toast, eggs, hash browns, fruit and bagels, there was no shortage of choices of what to eat. What meant the most to Vargas, however, was the gesture by the athletic department to honor his accomplishment.

"I look to be the best I can be on the field and in the classroom, so this is a great honor to be recognized with this breakfast," men's soccer player Diego Vargas. "For me, I always have a willingness to learn every time I am in class or studying."

Click here for a photo of Vargas at the breakfast, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Reading List

Click here for a recap of the event from the Binghamton Athletic Website.

Check out the preview and links for Friday night's match at Colgate by clicking here.

Social Media Update

Click here for an interview with Alex Balkey following Thursday's training session.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: August 31, 2008

The Bearcats head to Colgate for their next match on Friday night. Exactly 15 years ago, Binghamton was also at Colgate, defeating Lafayette 2-0 in the final round of the Raider Invitational.

The victory over the Leopards was highlighted by Cameron Keith's first goal of the season. After netting his goal, Keith made his way over to the team bench to give injured teammate Liam Carson a hug.

Posted August 31, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 30, 2023

Odds and Ends

A few things to go over as the Bearcats got back to work on Wednesday:

We caught up with Jack Green following training. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter account.

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

Coming Attractions

Coach Marco was miked up for today's training session. We will have the video in the coming days.

Kudos

The Syracuse ACC-Network team had plenty of good things to say about the Bearcats during the match on Monday. They did their home work and we appreciate the respect they showed us on the broadcast.

The Last Word From Monday…

We heard again from Adam Chavez, a defender on the 2006 Bearcat squad which faced then No. 1 Maryland back in 2006. He said that Binghamton put forth a respectable showing on Monday at Syracuse.
The score was the same (3-0) but Chavez pointed out one clear difference.

"We played with only 10 men," he said.

That is correct, Binghamton got a red card early in the match against Maryland, when there was still no score.

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

A red-letter day in Bearcats' history as they defeated then No. 28 Ohio State on the road 1-0. Pascal Trappe netted the game-winning goal in the opening minutes.

Click here for the recap.

This Year in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: 1973 – 50 Years Ago.

One further note on Binghamton under longtime head coach Tim Schum – it was exactly 50 years ago that he led the squad to its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament. It was the first of nine such appearances by Binghamton in a span of 22 seasons.

Known then as the Colonials, Binghamton won its first NCAA Tournament game 2-1 in overtime against Albany before falling 3-0 to Adelphi in the second round.

Exactly 30 years later – in 2003 - Binghamton appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament for the first time in program history and won its opening match 1-0 at Fairleigh Dickinson. The Bearcat lost 1-0 in overtime to St. Louis in the second round.

Later in the fall, the 2003 team will be inducted into the Binghamton Athletic Hall of Fame.

Posted August 30, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


AUGUST 29, 2023

Leftovers from Syracuse

For the second time during its NCAA Division I era, Binghamton squared off against the NCAA Division I champions on Monday night at Syracuse.

First – courtesy of Michael Okeniewski, click here for some of the photos from the match, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Next, the defensive play of the match came when Carlo Cavalar cleared a ball off the line. Click here to view it – courtesy of our team Twitter account.

An Earlier Meeting Against the Champs

With the Bearcats squaring off against the defending champions last night – we heard from longtime Binghamton coach Tim Schum, who shared with us an earlier meeting that his 1978 squad had against the NCAA Division I champions. Known then as the Colonials, Schum's squad faced defending NCAA champ Hartwick up in Oneonta, losing by just 1-0.

Back in the 1970s, Binghamton squared off against several NCAA Division I programs – including Buffalo, Hartwick, Colgate and Marist. Hartwick's soccer program, however, is one that not many people are aware of. In addition to winning the 1977 title, the Hawks have advanced to the College Cup seven times – most recently in 1985.

We also heard from one of Schum's players from that 1978 squad, Mart Gentile. He shared with us his thoughts on that match against the Hawks:

"Although there is clearly a significant gap between today's Division 1 and Division III teams (and talent levels), there was a much closer distinction throughout the 1970s," he said. "The college soccer equivalent of the "Heisman Trophy" is the "Hermann Trophy" and Binghamton played against 3 winners of the Hermann Trophy (and their teams) during that period:  1974 (Quarishi, at Oneonta), 1976 (Myernick, at Hartwick) and 1977 (Gazonas, at Hartwick). So it was a great opportunity to play against the defending NCAA Division 1 champions in 1978."

Thanks to Coach Schum and Mark Gentile for sharing their memories with us.

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

Luca Bottoni and Charlie Novoth net second-half goals as the Bearcats win their season opener 2-1 at Bucknell. Click here for the recap.

Posted August 29, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 28, 2023

Meeting the Champs

In a rare Monday night match for the Bearcats – an even more rare occurrence takes places tonight. Binghamton travels to Syracuse tonight for its first match against the defending NCAA champions (and current top-ranked team in the nation) since 2006.

We caught up with some of the players after training last night to get their thoughts heading into tonight's match:

"These past few days of training have been great with very high intensity and loads of energy from the group leading into Syracuse. We are all extremely excited and prepared to match a tough opponent."

- Alex Balkey

"I've been looking forward to the game as I think it's a great test for us to start the season. We're really excited and that energy has certainly been shown in training this past weekend."

- Anthony Randazzo

The Last Time it Happened…

The only other time the Bearcats have faced the defending NCAA champions came back on August 27, 2006 when they traveled to Maryland. Click here for a photo of head coach Paul Marco meeting with legendary Terps' head coach Sasho Cirovski prior to that match – courtesy of our team Instagram account.

The Bearcats were defeated 3-0 in that match after holding Maryland scoreless in the first half. But what is most remembered by the guys on that team – and by this blogger – is the bus breaking down on the way home. For three hours the Bearcats' broken bus waited on the side of the road for a replacement to come – with no air conditioning and 90 degree heat outside.

In talking with Adam Chavez this morning – who was a junior on that team - he remembers how close the team got during that stretch with some of the competitive games that took place. That closeness was evident later in the year as the Bearcats swept the America East regular-season and tournament championships.

Reading List

Click here for the Pipe Dream's recap of the William & Mary match.

Click here for our preview of tonight's match.

Reaching Out

The Bearcats took time out from training for Syracuse on Saturday to take part in Binghamton's University Fest – which is geared toward new students on campus. Click here for a photo, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Social Media Update

Kudos again to Jordan Dickman for the Game Day graphic today. Click here to view it – courtesy of our team Twitter account

Elsewhere on Campus

Congratulations to our volleyball team on winning the Bearcat Invitational Team title this weekend. Click here for the recap.

The Bearcat women's soccer team was at Syracuse last night and put up a tough fight before losing 2-1. Click here for the recap.

This Day in Binghamton Men's Soccer History: August 28, 2017

Binghamton wins 2-1 at Colgate to improve to 2-0-0 on the season. Chris Stamper netted the game-winning goal in the 77^th minute. Click here for the recap.

Posted August 28, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 25, 2023

Leftovers from Opening Night

Some final notes and links from last night's match at William & Mary:

For the second straight year, Binghamton's goal in the season opener was scored by a newcomer. Last year against James Madison, it was Markos Touroukis scoring in the first half to put the Bearcats ahead 1-0. Last night against William & Mary, it was Mael Lopes doing the honors, which also put the Bearcats ahead 1-0 in the first half. Like 2022, however, it was the home team the tied the match late the first half and went on to victory in the second half. 

Another newcomer - Dylan McDermott - made six saves against the Tribe. He transferred from Marist during the offseason, where his previous career high was four saves against UAlbany in 2021.

Then there was Jack Green, who was credited with an assist on Lopes' goal. During his career at American University (2019-22) - from where he transfererd during the offseason - Green tallied seven assists.

Check out Lopes' goal by clicking here and an interview on Friday afternoon by clicking here -- both courtesy of our team Twitter account.

For photos from the match - courtesy of our team Instagram account - click here.

Back to Work

It wasn't a long rest for some members of the men's soccer team. At the Binghamton volleyball invitational on Friday afternoon, some of the players worked on the Game Day Operations crew..

Posted August 25, 2023 at 4:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 24, 2023

Last Minute Notes

As the team gets ready for the match at William & Mary – a few social media posts to go over.

Kudos to Jordan Dickman for today's Game Day graphic. Click here to see it – courtesy of our team Instagram account.

The America East has also gotten into the Opening Day spirit. Click here for their graphic. Kudos to Cayla Fernandes at the AE Office for her design - which includes a pair of BU players.

Reading List

College Soccer News has four of Binghamton's opponents in its Preseason Top 30, which includes a pair of America East teams and top-ranked Syracuse. Click here for the complete poll.

Those same four teams are also in the United Soccer Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll. Click here to access it.

A final note on the polls -- three of Binghamton's opponents will come to the Bearcats Sports Complex this season (New Hampshire, Vermont and Cornell)

Back to the Present

Check back tomorrow for the recap and match notes.

Posted August 24, 2023
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 23, 2023

Final Thoughts Before William & Mary

We caught up with several of the Bearcat players to get their thoughts before heading to William & Mary. Here's what they had to say:

Mael Lopes

"During this week the team has improved a lot and we've gradually found our identity. We've solved a lot of problems and I think we're ready for this match to get the season off to a good start."

Jack Green

"After a strong defensive performance against Navy we shifted our focus to the attacking side of play. This included valuing the ball, discipline in our positioning and quick thinking to play faster. Opening up the season at William and Mary will be a great test putting these pieces together as the group develops and continues to get better."

Will Mahoney

"I think training has gone really well this week. After focusing on some more defensive themes early on in preseason, we're moving on to establishing better offensive positioning and possession. We had a lot to take away from the scrimmage against Navy and are working to apply the lessons to our game. Overall, I think we have a really positive mindset going into William and Mary, who we know are going to be a very tough opponent."

Social Media Update

Billy Clark chatted with us before getting on the bus for William & Mary. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Click here for the bus leaving Binghamton this morning, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Posted August 23, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton,edu



AUGUST 22, 2023

Odds and Ends

A few things to go over as the team continues to train for Thursday night's season opener at William & Mary.

We caught up with Devin Heanue after Tuesday's training session. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter account.

We wished the players a good first day of classes with a creative photo montage. Click here for it, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Reading List

Check out the William & Mary match preview by clicking here to go to our website story
.
Click here for the America East Conference's preview of opening weekend.

Let's Go To the Video Tape

In the spirit of legendary sports anchor Warner Wolf's catch phrase, click here for FOX 40s men's soccer preview. The reporter was Ian Mills.

WIVT Brian Rudman also posted his station's season preview. Click here to access it.

Finally, here is WBNG's Jacob Russo's season preview. Click here.

Special thanks to all three of these stations for attending media day last week.

Elsewhere on Campus

Good luck to the Binghamton volleyball team as they start their season with their home tournament this weekend. Click here for their season preview.

Posted August 22, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu


AUGUST 21, 2023

The End of Preseason

The Bearcats concluded their preseason with a Friday evening exhibition match at Navy. The Midshipmen went 7-5-9 in 2022 and advanced to the Patriot League title game against American. Ironically, current Bearcat graduate student Jack Green was on that Eagles squad that won that match 1-0. Navy won by that same score over Binghamton on Friday night with a goal in the 25th minute.

We caught up with a few of the Bearcat players after Friday's match in Annapolis:

Will Noecker

"The match against navy was a great exhibition match to close out our preseason. They are a tough hard-working side similar to some teams we face in our regular season so it's great to get out there against them and get used to the pace of things. It was tough to not get the win because although it is an exhibition match we always want to get to winning ways but there are many positives to take from the game as well as lessons to take away and go back to the training pitch to work on. We've been putting in some great work this preseason we feel fit and ready to go and we're very excited to get our season going against a good William & Mary team."

Diego Vargas

"We started the game very strong with a lot of energy and confidence because we knew it was going to be much needed for the battle against Navy. The whole team stuck to the game plan and the system we had discussed - over 90 minutes. The goal we conceded came honestly a bit out of nowhere and was a damper on our performance. We need to analyze the game and learn from our mistakes to start the season off strong."

We also caught up with Dylan McDermott before Monday's training session to talk about how preseason went for the team. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Social Media Update

Monday was the Binghamton Athletic Department's Welcome Back Meeting and Lunch for all 450 Bearcat student-athletes. Click here for a photo of Mael Lopes with one of the shirts that the Bearcat student-athletes received at the event – courtesy of our team Instagram account.

The Champions

For one of the few times in the 22-year history of the Bearcat Open, the coaching staff did NOT win the event. Instead, that honor went to the team of McDermott, Green, Anthony Lazaridis and Devin Heanue. Click here for the group photo – courtesy of our team twitter account.

Kudos

For those of your social media followers – you have no doubt seen the countdown graphics in advance of Thursday's match at William & Mary. Today was the final day of that series – so here is a special thanks to Laney Harbaugh for all of her work these past few weeks.

Click here for today's final countdown graphic – courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Reading List

Click here to check out the Pipe Dream's season preview.

Posted August 21, 2023 at 5:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 16-18, 2023

Break Time

Hi everyone.

After a week of getting to know the team better and getting the Daily Update started, this blogger is going to be off the grid on vacation for the next four days. Time to recharge the batteries and get ready for the regular season to start.

We will have full coverage of the match on Friday at Navy and more recaps from this week.

Until then, take care everyone!

Posted August 16, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 15, 2023

Meet the Press

Tuesday was Binghamton's Fall Sports Media Day and the Bearcat men's soccer team was represented by head coach Paul Marco, Will Noecker and Michael Bush.

Click the below links for interviews from each of them, courtesy of our team Twitter account.

Head Coach Paul Marco
Will Noecker
Michael Bush

Click here for some photos from the event, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

The Bearcat Open

We will have lots of quotes from that event tomorrow, but click here for photos courtesy of the team's Instagram account.

Head coach Paul Marco was not on the winning team at the Bearcat Open - but he did have a good tee shot on the first hold. Click here for the video, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Posted on August 15, 2023 at 7:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 14, 2023

Weekend Wrap Up … And Monday Too...

Lots to go over as we complete the first week of preseason.

Say Cheese, Part 2

Following Friday's memorable media room head shots and videos, the team took their official 2023 team photo. For the first time in what seems like forever – the weather cooperated and the photo went off without a hitch.

Click here for that photo – courtesy of our team Twitter account.

To put things in perspective, the 2020 team photo was taken in early April 2021 with freezing temperatures. That was during the truncated winter season – due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here for that photo. If you look carefully - you can even see the frost on the ground.

A Tradition Continues

On Saturday night, the Bearcats gathered at assistant coach Harrison Williams' house for their annual pizza making night. Coach Williams has arguably the biggest pizza oven around – as multiple pies can fit in there at once.

Click here for some photos from the event, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

We asked some of the players the following day what type of pizza they made and here are some of the answers we got:

"You name it, I put it on."

"Every meat you can find."

"Definitely pepperoni."

Social Media Update

We caught up with Diego Vargas prior to Sunday's training session and asked him how the team was progressing through the first week. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Game Day

Monday afternoon was the Binghamton's first exhibition game of the preseason as they welcomed Monroe Community College to the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Click here for some match photos, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

The next time the Bearcats will wear their uniforms at the Bearcats Sports Complex will be Sept. 5 against St. Bonaventure.

Coming Up Next…

Speaking of preseason traditions – the Bearcat Open Golf Tournament will be held tomorrow at Chenango Commons. Plenty of great – and not so great – are promised.

Later in the afternoon, Will Noecker and Michael Bush will join head coach Paul Marco at the Binghamton Athletic Department's Preseason Media Day.

Elsewhere on Campus

Good luck to the Binghamton women's soccer team as they open their season on Thursday afternoon at Fairfield. Click here for their season preview.

A Change

Finally, you may have noticed we changed the photo for the Men's Soccer Daily Update. Got a great team huddle photo from today's match that we couldn't pass up.

Posted August 14, 2023 at 8:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 11, 2023

Say Cheese

Friday afternoon was the Bearcats' annual head shot and team photo day – an event which has expanded with the rise of video and social media.

When we started the Men's Soccer Daily Update back in 2008, we took the team photo and head shots out on the field. Now we take the head shots, do social media poses and video GIFs in the media room of the Events Center before even getting to the team photos.

Now about those video GIFs – the players had fun doing them on Friday but one video topped them all. Michael Bush put on a Spiderman mask and went into action.

"I've had that costume since I was about eight," he said. "I thought it would be kind of funny and since its my last year here, I am really trying to enjoy it."

Bush's teammates agreed that it was the best video GIF of the day.

"I've loved Spiderman ever since I was a kid," Diego Vargas said, "I was a big fan of Spiderman and I still am. I loved the creativity of Michael Bush."

Team Chemistry

Following the team photo, we asked head coach Paul Marco and the player about how the team has been coming together in the first week of preseason.

"I think our returning group has been excellent when it has come to leading," coach Marco said. "They have set a great example. Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves. I don't see anyone eating alone. I don't see anyone walking alone. I see everyone engaged with each other which is a great sign."

"Every day you can see us growing closer," Bush said. "Every little moment as a team really counts for us. It's been a great week."

Social Media Update

Click here for some of the top video GIFs from photo day, courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Click here for some photos from the head shots, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Reaching Out

On Thursday morning, the soccer team went over to the Binghamton University Pre-School to help out. Click here for some photos, courtesy of our team twitter account.

On To The Weekend....

We will return on Monday.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Posted August 11, 2023 at 4:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 10, 2023

What a Trip

This has been a week for everyone to get to know the 12 newcomers – and from listening to them, the way they each arrived at Binghamton has been very interesting.

The story of graduate student midfielder Jack Green, however, is over the top in terms of his journey here. He has already graduated from American University, where he played soccer for four years. Having grown up in Alaska, where very few men's players compete at the NCAA Division I level, his journey East is pretty remarkable.

Click here for this website written by the American University Sports Information Office.

On a personal note – having grown up in the Washington DC area – this blogger has great respect for the American men's soccer program. In 1985, the Eagles advanced to the NCAA title game and lost 1-0 in EIGHT overtimes to UCLA.

We reminded Green about that game -which he definitely heard about - and he said that it was the reason they went to penalty kicks to decide playoff games moving forward. Having watched all eight overtimes personally as a sophomore in high school, I can't disagree.

Social Media Updates

Click here for an interview with Sean Fitzgerald, courtesy of our team twitter page.

The Bearcats got to play some 11-v-11 on Wednesday afternoon. Click here for some photos, courtesy of our team Instagram page.

Coming Up Next...

It's photo day for the Bearcats on Friday. Stay tuned.

Posted August 10, 2023 at 4:45 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 9, 2023

Let's Get It Started

The Bearcats made their first appearance on the turf at the Bearcats Sports Complex and it was an unfamiliar site. With overcast skies and the temperatures hovering in the 60s, it was not your typical preseason training.

Still, the players were glad to get back out on the "pitch" – as they call it.

"It was great to be back out there," Luke Yates said. "I think everybody looked good. There was a lot of technical stuff we went over and everybody looked fit. It looked like a good start for the boys."

The team had over 24 hours together before arriving at the field on Tuesday afternoon. With 12 newcomers, that extra time enabled the guys to get to know each other better.

"It's been a good two days," Yates said. "Everyone has been able to start to understand each other and know what each other's strengths and weaknesses are before going out on the field."

Social Media Updates

We have lots of them today:

Click here for an interview with Michael Bush and click here for an interview with Anthony Lazaridis, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Click here for some video clips of when the Bearcats arrived out on the field Tuesday afternoon – courtesy of our team Instagram account.

Circuit City

It wasn't just outdoors where the Bearcats started preseason preparations these past two days. They also took part in circuits in the weight room on Wednesday morning. Click here for a video clip, courtesy of our team twitter account.

Elsewhere on Campus...

The Bearcat women's soccer team has already been back for a week - and with the World Cup going on, this video of their knowledge of other national teams was created. Click here to view it - courtesy of their team Instagram account.

Also back on campus is the Binghamton volleyball team. Click here for some practice photos - courtesy of their team twitter account.  

Posted August 9, 2023 at 6:15 p.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu



AUGUST 8, 2023

Moving On In

Every college athletic team has its long-standing traditions. The Binghamton men's soccer team is no different.

Each year during the first day of preseason, the Bearcats' returning players help the newcomers move into their college dorms. It is a gesture that the returning players remain appreciative of from when they first arrived on campus.

"It was something I never expected when I arrived here last year," Carlo Cavalar said. "I remember it took just 20 minutes for me to move in while other people I heard it took about three hours. It's a great thing for the team community as well."

"I think it's really important," Joe Spires said. "Especially for the freshman because they are in a new environment and they are not with their parents any more and they need a new sense of family. So I think helping the guys move in provides them with a new family experience and something that is going to help them get through the first couple of weeks."

Cavalar was a transfer last year and from the move-in day, he noticed how unique the gesture was within the Binghamton program."

"It was great for me to be included in the team right away," Cavalar said. "It's not something you see in a lot of place."

Spires was also a transfer and remembers his first move-in experience when he was a freshman at his previous school.

"It was just me and my dad," he said. "It definitely took a while."

The Bearcats first day of preseason consisted of meetings so there was no conditioning or training. Still, the move in progress definitely qualified as an upper body workout.

"It was a lot of work," Spires said. "But it was also a lot of fun."

Staying in Touch

While the move in process was the first time many of the guys met one another – especially with 12 newcomers – it was not the first time they had communicated. The returning players made sure to reach out to the newcomers by text and stay in touch during the summer months.

"All of the (returning) players tried to reach out to the new guys over the summer," Cavalar said. "It was important for us to include them right away."

Social Media Updates

Click here for photos from the move-in day, courtesy of our men's soccer Instagram page.

We caught up with Will Noecker on Monday afternoon. Click here for the interview, courtesy of our men's soccer twitter account.

Kudos

If you have been following our instagram and twitter accounts - you no doubt have seen the countdown graphics that we have been doing in advance of the Aug. 24 season opener. Special thanks to Laney Harbaugh for putting them together 

Click here to view today's 16 days until the season graphic.

Posted August 8, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu
 


AUGUST 7, 2023

Introduction

Greetings everyone!

It is time for our 16^th season of the Binghamton Men's Soccer Daily Update. This weekday blog will journal the Bearcats through the 2023 fall season. In addition to features and interviews, this blog will link you readers to all relevant social media, print media and video media posts.

We hope this will be a useful source of information through the season.

As always, feedback can be directed to David O'Brian at dobrian@binghamton.edu

Today the Bearcats return to campus for their kickoff meeting. Tomorrow they will be back on the turf.

Talk to everyone then.
 
Posted August 7, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Feedback can be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu