CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- One America East women's soccer finalist was decided Sunday while the other will be known Monday. Top-seeded Boston University punched its ticket to the championship game for the fifth straight year with a 2-1 win over fifth-seeded Binghamton in semifinal action at Nickerson Field Sunday. Second-seeded Hartford will host third-seeded Albany on Monday at 1 p.m. in the other semifinal after that game was postponed due to snow.
Boston U. (17-2-1), the league's regular-season champion, jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Binghamton when America East Midfielder of Year Brittany Heist's goal in the 19th minute. Heist, who scored her fifth of the year, took a feed from Ariana Aston, an all-rookie choice and beat Binghamton keeper Carrie Martin from close distance.
The Terriers, who are seeking their fifth straight America East title, struck again in the 38th minute. Kylie Strom, a first-team all-conference midfielder sent a long feed to Madison Clemens, who buried the ball in the right side of the net to give her team a 2-0 lead.
Binghamton (7-10-1) cut the deficit to 2-1 midway through the second half. Sarah Furminger took Mary DeWitte's pass and beat Terrier goalkeeper Alice Binns on the Bearcats' first shot of the game in the 66th minute. The Bearcats, who were making their third America East semifinal appearance in four years, had a few more chances, but were unable to tie the Terriers, who won their 12th straight game.
Hartford (13-1-3), the No. 2 seed, has its best win percentage since 1997 and is seeking its first league title since 2006. The Hawks, who are led by America East Coach of the Year John Natale, rank fifth nationally allowing just 0.41 goals per game.
Albany (7-9-2), unbeaten in its last seven games going 5-0-2 in that stretch, won its quarterfinal game against Vermont, 2-1, on Shayla Bergeron's double-overtime score.
The Hawks and Great Danes, who have a seven-game unbeaten streak, played to a 1-1 double OT tie on Oct. 20. The two teams have never met in the postseason.
Boston U. will host the winner of tomorrow's Hartford-Albany contest in the America East Championship game Saturday at 1 p.m.
Visit America East's Championship Central for complete tournament coverage.
2011 America East Women's Soccer Championship
Quarterfinals - Thursday, October 27
No. 5 Binghamton 1, at No. 4 New Hampshire 0 -- Box Score
at No. 3 Albany 2, No. 6 Vermont 1 (2OT) -- Box Score
Semifinals
Sunday, October 30
at No. 1 Boston University 2, Binghamton 1 -- Box Score
Monday, October 31
Albany at No. 2 Hartford, 1 p.m.
Final - Saturday, November 5
HartfordAlbany Winner at Boston U., 1 p.m.