BOX SCORE
VESTAL, N.Y. - The University of Hartford men's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1, double overtime loss to the Binghamton Bearcats in America East action on Wednesday night at the Bearcats Sports Complex.
Facing a 1-0 deficit at the halftime intermission, Patrick Boucher's team-best third goal in the 71st minute redeemed the Hawks, knotting the score at 1-1 and forcing extra time. After battling through a scoreless first overtime period, Binghamton senior Scott Zobre disrupted the Hawks' attempt at completing the comeback when he scored 1:35 into the final sudden-victory overtime period to help his squad improve to 4-4-3 (2-0-1 AE).
With the win, Binghamton extends its unbeaten streak to seven games posting a 4-0-3 record during the span. Ryan Walter, a junior, was deemed Binghamton's Man of the Match after netting the game's opening goal and later tallying the assist on the game-winner.
With the loss, the Hawks drop to 3-7-0 overall with a mark of 1-2-0 in conference play.
“This loss was very painful for our players,” commented Hartford head coach Dan Gaspar. “We had hard luck tonight against the Bearcats, but we will continue with the hard work.”
The Bearcats put the first dent in the scoreboard as Tommy Moon and Ryan Walter penetrated the Hartford defense and found the back of the net in the 34th minute. Moon snuck behind the defense on a break-away and fired a long pass deep into the Hawks' zone. Walter received the pass, dribbled in 10 yards from the goal and rifled a low ball into the right corner of the net.
The game-tying goal came mid-way through the second half when Boucher connected with Liam Williams. Williams, a rookie, sent a cross over the defense into the box where Boucher, Hartford's “Man of the Match,” was able to squeeze through the Bearcats' defenders and head the ball past keeper Chris Hayen at 70:53.
In extra time, Hartford had just one look at putting the game-winning tally on the scoreboard however freshman Steven Aiston's shot attempt in the 95th minute was sent wide of the target. Binghamton managed three shots during the first extra period, one of which was rejected by Hartford keeper Matt McElroy in the 97th minute to force a second overtime.
With just 95 seconds off the clock in the final period, Walter headed a ball towards the goal and locating Zobre who punched the game-decider into the back of the net.
Both teams finished the match with 10 shots. Hayen was forced to make two stops while McElroy tallied one save in the contest.
After playing a pair of games on the road, the Hawks return to West Hartford to entertain the New Hampshire Wildcats on Saturday, October 16. First kick under the lights of Alumni Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
