Vestal, NY ? In a face-off between two regionally-ranked teams, the University of Hartford men's soccer team suffered its first America East conference loss of the season, falling 1-0 to the Bearcats of Binghamton. The loss snapped a Hartford three-game winning streak as they drop to 7-4-2 overall, 3-1-0 in the America East. Binghamton improved to 7-3-3 overall, with a 2-1-0 record in the conference.
The Hawks and the Bearcats battled through a scoreless first half in front of a packed stadium at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Hartford's best look at putting the first notch on the scoreboard came from junior Carlos Villa. In the 29th minute, Villa received a pass from teammate Ivan Guarin just outside of the box. In a one-on-one battle versus a Binghamton defender, Villa was able to get a shot off, sending the ball high into goal just barely within reach of the leaping Jason Stenta.
Binghamton ended the scoring drought early in the second half as senior Justin Leskow scored in the 52nd minute. Prior to the score, the Bearcats' junior Kyle Kucharski fired a cross from 20 yards outside of the box. Hartford keeper Luke Citriniti had both hands on the ball as he made the jumping save, but was unable to make a clean catch as he made his way down to the turf. Leskow then tapped the ball into the net past the fallen Citriniti, notching his second goal of the season with the eventual game-winner.
Hartford and Binghamton finished virtually equal offensively and defensivly, with each team taking 11 shots in the match. Freshman Patrick Boucher led the Hawks with four shots, two of which were recorded as shots on goal. Citriniti recorded four saves for Hartford, while Leskow made five stops in goal for the Bearcats.
“I am proud of our team,” commented Hartford head coach Dan Gaspar following the game. “I thought a tie would have been a just result. We played Binghamton, one of the more prestigious teams in our conference. The boys battled well and represented Hartford proudly.”
Hartford junior Cedomir Tomcic was deemed the “Man of the Match” for his performance on the defensive side of the pitch. Senior defender Barry Neville received the honors for Binghamton.
The Hawks return to West Hartford to host conference foe Albany on Wednesday, October 22 as part of a double header with the Hartford women's team. Last season, the Hawks and the Great Danes battled to a 1-1 double overtime draw in Albany. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m. Hartford looks to maintain their unblemished record at Al-Marzook Field.
