LOWELL, Mass. - Stony Brook and Binghamton will meet in the America East women’s soccer championship game for the first time after each team won thrilling semifinal contests on Thursday.
With its 1-0 victory over top-seeded UMass Lowell, Binghamton advanced to the title game for the first time since 2009 in the first semifinal. In the nightcap, Stony Brook stormed back with three unanswered second-half goals to advance to its third championship game in four years.
The two Spring 2021 division rivals will meet in the title game on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Lowell for the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Semifinals Recap
B#2 Binghamton 1, A#1 UMass Lowell 0
- Binghamton scored the game's lone goal in the 53rd minute when senior Dora Hayes fired a ball into the top corner, her first strike of the season.
- The Bearcats had an opportune chance at doubling the score in the 67th minute but hit the crossbar.
- Those were the two shots on goal for Binghamton. UMass Lowell had four.
- Second-team All-Conference keeper Haylee Poltorak made four saves for her fourth consecutive shutout.
- Missing key players, the River Hawks were defeated at home for the first time this season.
B#1 Stony Brook 3, A#2 Vermont 1
- In the opening minute of play, Vermont sophomore Frances O’Donnell found the back of the net to give Vermont the lead.
- In the second half, first-team All-Conference selection Alyssa Francese set up a pair of Seawolves goals in the span of two minutes.
- All-Rookie selection Kerry Peason rifled home the equalizer at the top of the box in 72nd minute.
- Francese then cleaned up a loose ball and, from close range, tucked it between the keeper and goal post to take the lead.
- Tatum Kauka put the nail in the coffin with just over two minutes remaining.
- Vermont keeper Lydia Kessel saved 17 of Stony Brook’s 20 shots, breaking the championship record.
The Seawolves look to repeat as league champions and win a third title in four years and fourth overall. The Bearcats are seeking their second #AEWSOC title and first since 2004. They head into the title game riding a five-game win streak.
Stay up-to-date on the tournament by visiting Championship Central for box scores, highlights and recaps from Thursday's action in addition to live coverage links for Saturday's championship game.
Follow @AmericaEast and @AEDigitalNet on Twitter to get the real-time championship updates. Use the #AEChamps and #AEWSOC hashtags to join the conversation.
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