CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The America East Men's Soccer Championship picture is clearer after
play on Wednesday, which ended with the six-team field solidified, but
just two points separate the four teams atop the standings entering the
final weekend of play.
Albany (12-3-1 Overall, 5-1-1 America East) moved into a tie for first place with Boston University (10-4-2, 5-1-1), who was idle Wednesday, after downing Maine (4-8-2, 1-5-1 America East) 3-0 in Orono. Junior Claudio Dantas scored a goal and added an assist, while senior goalkeeper Steward Ceus notched his 18th career shutout. The Great Danes, who tied their Division I program record with its 12th victory, can finish anywhere from first to fourth, but control their own destiny and can lock up at least a share of the regular-season title and the No. 1 seed for the tournament with a win on Sunday. The Black Bears were eliminated from postseason consideration.
Binghamton (10-4-3, 5-2-0) moved into sole possession of third place with a 1-0 win over Stony Brook (2-12-4, 0-4-3) at Bearcats Sports Complex. Senior netminder Jason Stenta pitched his fourth straight home shutout and senior Ryan Tomko scored the lone goal in the 40th minute. The Bearcats are one of the four teams that can finish at the top or bottom of the group and are positioned to earn their third straight regular-season title with a win and some help. The Seawolves have been ousted from the playoff chase.
Vermont (8-3-6, 4-1-2) is in fourth place, just two points out of first, after a 1-0 victory over Hartford (7-6-3, 3-3-1) at Centennial Field. Freshman Lukas Peterson headed home a cross from senior Lee Stephane Kouadio in the 68th minute for his second came-winner in as many games. Senior goalkeeper Roger Scully had to make just one save to record his fourth shutout against conference foes. With a win over Albany Sunday, the Catamounts could lay claim to the regular-season crown. Despite the loss, Hartford has locked up the No. 5 seed for the tournament.
New Hampshire (7-5-4, 2-4-2) locked up a playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 win over UMBC (6-5-2, 1-5-1) in Durham. The Wildcats will be the No. 6 seed and play a quarterfinal contest on the road on Saturday, November 8. The Wildcats overcame a 2-1 deficit with under five minutes remaining as senior Richard Weinrebe tied the game with 4:55 left and sophomore Dylan George won it on a goal off a rebound just 79 seconds later. With the loss, the Retrievers were eliminated from the championship.
On the final weekend of the regular season, Hartford will take on Boston University at Nickerson Field on Saturday at 1 p.m. All other action take place Sunday as Albany hosts Vermont at 1 p.m., Binghamton visits Maine at 1 p.m. and UMBC travels to Stony Brook for the a 1 p.m. contest.
Stay tuned to AmericaEast.com for America East Championship pairings and game times following Sunday's action.