WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Hartford's men's soccer team clinched a spot in the America East playoffs, taking down Binghamton, 1-0, on Senior Day. Junior Nyrik Antoine scored the lone goal in the 45th minute, while senior Jimmy Slayton recorded a career-high 11 saves on the night to keep his ninth shutout of the season. With the win, the Hawks improve to 3-2-1 in conference play, while the Bearcats drop to 2-4 in the America East.
 
HARTFORD 1, BINGHAMTON 0
Slayton would be called into action early as he made a nice save down low five minutes into the game. Jovante Etienne would fire off the Hawks first shot of the night as his low driven effort in the 14th minute fell into the arms of the Binghamton goalie. Slayton would be called into action three more times before Hartford would break the deadlock late in the first half. In the closing minute of the first half, Antoine received a through ball from Sergi Martinez, and fired the ball off the inside of the post and into the back of the net to give the Hawks the 1-0 advantage, just before the half-time whistle.
 
The Hartford defense would continue to hold strong in the second half, denying the bearcats any chance of finding an equalizing goal. Mevlan Lebiti would have the best chance for the Hawks in the closing 45 minutes of play as his effort in the 73rd minute would go wide right. Slayton would tally six saves in the second half, bringing his total to 11 on the game, which is a new career high for the senior. The Bearcats wouldn't muster a quality chance on goal in the closing moments as the Hawks held on for the 1-0 victory and preserve their ninth shutout of the year.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE & HARTFORD NOTES

• Hartford clinched a spot in the America East Playoffs with the victory
• Antoine scored his first goal of the season and first career game winner
• Martinez notched his first assist of the season
• Slayton finished with 11 saves en route to keeping his ninth shutout of the year
• Lebiti led the Hawks' offense with three shots

 
NEXT ON TAP
Hartford remains at Al-Marzook Field to finish its regular-season schedule with an America East clash against UMass Lowell on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling 860-768-HAWK, or by clicking here.
 
For more information on the Hartford men's soccer team, stay with HartfordHawks.com for updates and follow the team on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram).