Binghamton University Athletics

VESTAL, N.Y. – Senior back Saar Almoznino scored in the 74th minute, lifting Binghamton (1-2-2) to a 1-0 victory over Central Connecticut State University (2-2-0) in a non-conference men's soccer match on Saturday night at the Bearcats Sports Complex. The victory was the first for the Bearcats under interim head coach Tommy Moon.

Almoznino's heroics were set in motion by senior forward Marcus Nahim, who took a throw-in from the right sideline just beyond the box. His long throw-in went into the box and the ball was flicked by senior forward Anthony Randazzo and went towards Almoznino. From close range, Almoznino was then able to kick the ball into the net. 

"That play was something we worked on the whole spring," Almoznino said. "We practiced it for a few months and even though we were tired at the end of the match tonight, our hard work and preparation paid off."

From there, Almoznino was part of a Binghamton defense that was able to finish off the match. Over the last 14 minutes of play, the Bearcats held the Blue Devils to just a pair of off-target shots. 

The victory over the Blue Devils marks the Bearcats' second straight shut out - and their third in five matches so far this season. In addition to Almoznino, fellow backs Jona Meiner, Khayr Ogunsanya and Will Mahoney as well as goalkeeper Natan Jemaneh Admassu have all been instrumental in Binghamton's defensive success. 

"I thought we've had a really good week as a team - both in training and in matches," Moon said. "So I am happy for the boys that they were able to get the result tonight. We are creating a lot of good scoring opportunities and as long as we create chances, we'll be able to put the ball in the back of the net." 

Final shots favored CCSU 13-8 but shots on goal favored Binghamton 5-2. In goal, Admassu needed to make only a pair of saves off of low-percentage shots.

"We were disappointed after conceding three goals against both GW and Lafayette," Moon said. "So to get two clean sheets since then is very big for us."

Possession percentage favored Binghamton by a 52-48 margin. Corner kicks were even at 3-3. 

Binghamton is off until next Saturday, when it faces LeMoyne at 6:07 p.m. 

NOTES: In Binghamton's last three matches against CCSU (all wins), Randazzo has two goals and an assist. Nahim, meanwhile, has recorded three total assists during the same matches.