SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Junior back Megan Baker converted two second-half penalty kicks and classmate Rebecca Kessler saved a penalty with 2:03 left to lift Binghamton women's soccer (7-1-2, 2-0 America East) to a 3-2 road win over Bryant (3-3-4, 0-1-1 AE) Sunday afternoon at Beirne Stadium.

With the win, the Bearcats extend their unbeaten streak to seven games (5-0-2) and move into sole possession of first place in the conference standings. It's the third time in four years Binghamton has begun league play at 2-0. The team's seventh win also matches last year's total, with six regular-season games remaining. 

The see-saw game included five goals and three VAR reviews (in 26 minutes) - all of which overturned the original field decision. 

"Today was a great example of just how competitive this conference is and the quality we can expect from any opponent," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "Give full credit to our team in their unwavering competitive spirit over 90 minutes. We haven't scored many goals off set pieces so to earn goals today off set piece opportunities from play within the box was terrific, and we had a couple of good chances within the run of play too. Give Bryant a lot of credit too for their play and needing Becca to ultimately preserve three fully-deserved points. We will enjoy the late travel home and then get needed rest and recovery for an important two-game week coming up."

After the teams traded goals in a 1-1 first half, Binghamton pushed ahead twice in the second half, only to see Bryant tie game on each occasion. Then the Bulldogs had a golden opportunity to tie it one final time when they were awarded (via VAR) a penalty kick in the 89th minute. But Kessler was up to the task, and her quick lunge and punch away sealed the win for the Bearcats. Kessler has stopped two of three penalty kicks this season. 

Binghamton opened the scoring in the 27th minute after a corner kick. Sophomore midfielder Anna Buckwalter sent the ball into the box, where junior forward Paige Luke got a partial head on it. The loose ball bounced to senior defender Allison Falvo, who volleyed it in from three yards for a 1-0 lead. It was Falvo's second career goal out of the back.

But Bryant answered in the 36th minute after a long free kick found an open player inside the box. 

The second half featured a flurry of goals - four in 26 minutes - with three coming after VAR replays. The Bearcats took a 2-1 lead in the 63rd minute, thanks to Baker's hard work, takedown and PK conversion. She earned a corner kick with some 1-v-1 work down the right side. On the ensuing corner, the ball bounced to Baker on the left side of the box but before she could fire a shot, she was bodied to the ground. After a curious no-call on the field, the officials went to VAR replay and after a 6+ minute delay, the foul was confirmed and PK awarded. Baker slotted it home for the lead. 

But Bryant tied it again with a tally in the 83rd minute. 

With time winding down, sophomore Alexus Worrell sent a through ball into the box, where Luke and a Bulldog defender converged. The ball bounced up and struck the defender in the arm, though no call was made. However, the second VAR review confirmed the handball, which brought Baker back to the spot. Her second PK also was perfect and it gave the Bearcats a 3-2 lead with 4:06 left. 

But VAR wasn't done for the day as the final review on a non-call went against the Bearcats with just 2:03 remaining. Kessler kept the margin intact, however, with her save. 

Binghamton outshot Bryant 13-9. Kessler made four saves.  

Binghamton plays the second of two straight road games Thursday at NJIT.