Binghamton University Athletics

VESTAL, N.Y. - Crystal Knoell and Taylor Gabel scored second-half goals 10 minutes apart to lift Binghamton women's soccer (2-0) to a 2-0 win over visiting Marist (0-1) Sunday afternoon at rainy Bearcats Sports Complex.

Binghamton's second home shutout win in four days to open the season, also extended the program's regular-season unbeaten streak to 15 games dating back to August 2025 (10-0-5).  

"We're happy with the result," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "We came out with a good start in the first 15-20 minutes and probably were a bit unlucky we didn't create a goal. It stayed tight and I thought the game got a little away from us in terms of possession and opportunities. We looked better in the second half and it was nice to see two newcomers get goals. We'll take it and are happy with the win." 

After the initial Bearcat flurry, the teams settled into a back-and-forth in the middle of the field for the bulk of the game. Shots were hard to come by with each keeper having limited tests. 

In the 70th minute, Binghamton broke through. Freshman Ava Chun earned a corner kick on the left side. Junior midfielder Anna Buckwalter sent a inswinger to the far post, where Knoell outleaded her mark and headed it in from four yards. It was Knoell's first goal as a Bearcat after transferring from Adelphi. 

Less than 10 minutes later, the Bearcats got an insurance goal when junior forward Jahkaya Davis reversed field from the left to free up senior back Megan Baker on the right side of the box. Baker dribbled and sent a quick cross into the middle, where Gabel one-timed it past the Marist keeper from seven yards. It was Gabel's first collegiate goal.

Binghamton held an 8-5 shots edge and produced six corner kicks with 56% of the possession. Senior keeper Rebecca Kessler needed to make just one save to post her second straight shutout. 

The Bearcats are off until playing at Le Moyne next Sunday afternoon.