VESTAL, N.Y. - Big graduation losses mean big opportunities available.

That's the way ninth-year head coach Neel Bhattacharjee sees his 2024 Binghamton women's soccer season. The Bearcats are coming off back-to-back America East regular season titles, including an unbeaten eight-game slate last fall (5-0-3). In fact, Binghamton has lost just once in its last 16 conference games (11-1-4).

But Bhattacharjee will have a significantly revamped lineup in 2024, with 10 letterwinners departed, including six starters. Gone are four of the team's top-six point producers, two first team all-conference selections and all three captains.

"We continue to form our identity, with so many new faces," Bhattacharjee says. "The number of starters graduating has led to terrific opportunities for people to step into new roles. We put in some building blocks in the spring but now with eight freshmen, we will look to develop and grow over the course of the preseason and non-conference schedule so we can get right into the America East mix as soon as conference play begins."

Center backs Herber, Garofalo, GK Williams anchor defense
Despite the turnover, the Bearcats still return several key contributors, particularly on defense. In goal, senior Kaitlyn Williams is back for her third season as a starter. Last fall, Williams earned second team all-conference honors after posting a 1.17 goals against average with five shutouts. A strong shot-stopper, Williams had an 80% saves rate, third-highest among conference keepers.

Sophomore Rebecca Kessler eased into her collegiate career last fall and is coming off a strong spring. She reads the game well and should continue to see more time. Freshman Erika Kangas rounds out the goalie group.

On the back line, the tandem of junior Brooke Herber and sophomore Sophia Garofalo returns in the middle. Herber was a second team all-conference selection last year and Garofalo made a splash as a 90-minute player and received All-Rookie honors. Co-captain Herber also was named to the preseason all-conference team.

"Brooke and Sophia developed a strong playing connection last year," Bhattacharjee says. "That will be extremely helpful in terms of our organization and how we defend. It's very calming to know both our center backs have that experience and will provide consistent performances starting on Day 1."

With the graduation of veteran wing backs Lexi Vegoda and Grace Vittoria, two starting spots are open. Junior Allison Falvo should be in the mix to reclaim a starting spot she occupied as a freshman. She has 24 starts in two seasons and is coming off a strong spring. Versatile senior back Erin Hogan should also compete for significant minutes. Hogan battled through an injury-laden junior season but was a starter in 2022. Sophomore Megan Baker is another option on the outside after playing eight games as a freshman.

A host of other players are in the mix on defense, including junior transfer Devin Lillis (Duquesne), senior Nicole Rago, junior Madison O'Sullivan and local first-year recruit Erin McDonald. Senior Hailey Roberts and freshman Sam Allen will miss the season with injuries.    

The defense allowed just six goals in eight conference games and Bhattacharjee believes his unit can drop that number even lower.

Midfield minus McKnights
For the first time in five years, the Binghamton lineup won't include a McKnight, as talented twins Olivia and Victoria have graduated, leaving a big void. Bhattacharjee is addressing it with one noted move, dropping sophomore striker and reigning America East Rookie of the Year Paige Luke back to the attacking central midfield spot. Luke made an immediate impact last fall with four goals and 10 points to lead all conference rookies.

Senior co-captain Alex Marsteller returns to her familiar position as holding midfielder, where she will become a four-year starter. With her determined defense and possession, Marsteller draws high praise from Bhattacharjee in the face of unheralded acclaim.

"Alex is one of the most underrated midfielders in the conference," he says. "She does a strong job keeping possession, switching the point of attack and covering ground."
Talented freshman Anna Buckwalter is expected to play a prominent role. She tallied 118 career points at Daniel Boone Area High School and her F.C. Revolution club team advanced to back-to-back national championships. She is a versatile athlete with a high work rate and can play several spots in the lineup.

Senior Isabella Martillo and sophomore Bella Brown will see time at midfield. When healthy, Martillo has been a high-motor contributor at center midfield. Brown has shown good technical ability and will work for time at the holding position.

Freshman Hannah Scionti and veteran Maria Poulos provide additional options.

Ontario duo add spark to front line
With 14 goals departing alongside 10 players from 2023, Bhattacharjee will need new contributors up front. The tandem of freshmen Jahkaya Davis and Alexus Worrell, both from Ontario, should help fill the void. Davis has a strong left foot and attacking presence and can play centrally or on the wing. Worrell can also line up inside or out and is a dangerous attacking threat with an outstanding club pedigree.

Junior Lauren Clark, who shared the team lead with four goals last season, including two game-winners, has continued her steady elevation and will be a threat, especially on set pieces. Senior Hannah Mimas should also earn extended minutes, thanks in part to a tremendous work rate and pace. Both Clark and Mimas logged around 45 minutes a game last season.
Improved versatile senior Mackenzie Ryder put herself in the mix for time up front after a strong spring and freshman Sofia Miller is building up to form after an injury.

Preparation for conference play still the focus
Binghamton will bring a nine-game regular season unbeaten streak into 2024 and opens with three straight road games beginning at A-10 member George Washington on August 18. After road games at top-tier MAAC program Canisius (Aug. 22) and in-state rival St. Bonaventure (Aug. 25), the Bearcats play their home opener against CAA runnerup Monmouth on Aug. 29. After playing the team's fourth road game (at American on Sept. 1) in five to begin the season, Binghamton welcomes ACC member Syracuse to the Bearcats Sports Complex on Sept. 5. Another 2023 reigning conference finalist awaits when Wagner comes to town on Sept. 8. 

Binghamton will play eight non-conference games before America East play begins on Sept. 22 with a tough opener at reigning tournament champion Maine. The Black Bears were picked first in the Coaches' Preseason Poll, one spot above Binghamton. New Hampshire, UMass Lowell and Vermont occupy the Nos. 3-5 positions and are also strong contenders.

Bearcats will play familiar possession style, prep for postseason run
Fans can expect the 2024 Bearcats to continue a Bhattacharjee pattern of heavy possession and passing precision – a formula that is both pleasant to the eye and the conference standings. Mix in gritty defensive pressure and opportunistic scoring and Binghamton will be poised for success, despite its relatively young roster.

"We've established ourselves as one of the more consistent teams in the America East," Bhattacharjee says. "But we know it will be a tall order to win a third straight regular season crown. But that's our goal … to set ourselves up for a postseason run to the title and an NCAA berth."