Binghamton Wins the America East Women’s Soccer Championship
Vestal, N.Y. — The Binghamton women’s soccer team captured its first America East Championship on Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 win over Maine in the title game at West Gym Field (Vestal, N.Y.). The Bearcats, 14-5-1, earn the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship.
The game was scoreless until the 34th minute (34:30), when off a corner freshman Tricia Reed sent a header toward an empty Maine net, where a Black Bear defender reached out and blocked the shot with her hand. Junior Meghan Taylor calmly knocked the ball to the top left corner of the net to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead, and all the offense they would need.
Binghamton doubled its lead with 12:50 to go in the second half when sophomore Kelly Burnham knocked in a header from close range after classmate Caitlin O’Shaughnessy had sent her own header out in front of the net.
The Black Bears, 12-6-1, enjoyed a 10-7 advantage in shots, but could not solve Binghamton goalie Kristie Bowers, who made six saves on the afternoon, recording her third straight shutout and second of the postseason.
The Bearcat’s defender Taylor, who scored her second goal of the season and led a defense that didn’t allow a goal in 180.00 minutes in the semifinals and championship game, was named the championship’s Most Outstanding Player.
All-Championship Team: Katie Gardiner, Hartford; Ashley Chassar, Boston U.; Chiara Best, New Hampshire; Shannon Oltman, New Hampshire; Jessie Haidamaka, Northeastern; Laura Johnson, Northeastern; Allison Kelly, Maine; Marie-Andreee Canuel, Maine; Angela Clark, Maine; Kelly Burnham, Binghamton; Katie Kerrigan, Binghamton; Meghan Taylor, Binghamton; Tatiana Mathelier, Binghamton. Most Outstanding Player: Taylor, Binghamton.
Scoring
Binghamton- Meghan Taylor (Penalty Kick), 34:30
Binghamton- Kelly Burnham (Caitlin O'Shaughnessy), 77:10
Shots
Maine: 10
Binghamton: 7
Saves
Maine: Tanya Adorno (90:00, 4 saves)
Binghamton: Kristie Bowers (90:00, 6 saves)