WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Hartford's men's soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the America East playoffs, taking down Binghamton, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon. Senior Aitor Elena and sophomore Sergi Martinez scored in the first half, while senior Jimmy Slayton recorded on four saves to keep his tenth shutout of the season, which is a new school record.
 
Hartford moves to 11-4-4 overall with the win, while Binghamton closes out its 2019 campaign with a 6-9-3 record.
 
 
HARTFORD 2, BINGHAMTON 0
The first half started out slow with neither team getting a great scoring opportunity. The Hawks would come close in the 14th minute when Sergi Martinez fired a shot just wide of the post. Hartford would strike first in the 27th minute when Aitor Elena got on the end of a Tomer Drimmer corner and fired the ball home to give the Hawks the 1-0 lead. It wouldn't take Hartford long to extend its lead as Martinez received a through ball from Rasmus Karlsson, and slotted the ball home from inside the six-yard box to double the Hawks lead. The Hartford defense would stand strong as the score stayed at 2-0 entering the halftime break.
 
The Hawks came out firing in the first half as they unleashed numerous chances on goal, but couldn't extend upon its lead. The best chance came when Nyrik Antoine had his initial shot blocked and then Drimmer fired the rebound wide left of the post. Jimmy Slayton would make a great double save in the 68th minute, denying Binghamton a way back into the game. Drimmer would have another great chance from a free kick opportunity in the 77th minute, but his effort flew high of the crossbar. The Hawks defense would continue to play outstanding, as Hartford held on for the 2-0 victory and advanced to the semifinals of the America East Championship.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE & HARTFORD NOTES

• Hartford improves to 9-7-4 record in the postseason with the win on Saturday
• Elena tallied his fourth goal of the season to become the team leader
• Martinez notched his second goal of the year
• The Hawks now hold a 10-9-4 advantage in the all-time series against the Bearcats
• Slayton finished with four saves en route to keeping his tenth shutout of the year
• The shutout sets a new school record for single-season shutouts, that was held by David Mackinnon

 
 
NEXT ON TAP
The third-seeded Hawks advance to the semifinals of the America East Tournament to take on second-seeded Vermont on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. from Virtue Field in Burlington, VT.