Binghamton Uses Penalty Kicks to Advance to America East Men's Soccer Semifinals


One year after suffering a heartbreaking shootout loss to Boston University in the America East Championship finals, the Binghamton men's soccer team turned the tables on the defending champions with a shootout win in the quarterfinal round of the 2005 America East Men’s Soccer Championship on Saturday at West Gym Field. The two teams played to a 1-1, double-overtime draw before the Bearcats won the decisive penalty kick round 5-3.

Binghamton now travels to UMBC in the America East Championship semifinals on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The difference in the penalty kick round came in the bottom of the second round, with Binghamton up 2-1. Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Bertoni stopped Zach Bauer's shot to give the Bearcats an edge they would not relinquish through the rest of the shootout. After four rounds, Binghamton held a 4-3 advantage when junior forward Peter Sgueglia converted the clinching kick.

In regulation, Binghamton drew first blood 24:01 into the first half when junior forward Joey Neilson netted his fourth goal of the year. He got by the defense and shot the ball in the net from five feet out. Sophomore back Adam Chavez and junior midfielder Bryan Arnault were credited with assists.

Boston U., however, finally got the equalizer with 10:47 left in regulation when Ronald Erlichman also got by the defense and fired a shot from five yards out into the lower-left corner of the net. Sedrick Chin was credited with an assist.

Binghamton outshot Binghamton 10-8 for the game.

The winner of the America East Championship earns the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The men’s soccer selection announcement is scheduled to be held on Monday, November 14 live on ESPNews (4-4:30 p.m.).

NOTES: Boston University’s Chad Comroe was in goal for the penalty kick shootout.

SCORING
Binghamton - Joey Neilson (Bryan Arnault, Adam Chavez), 24:01
Boston U - Roland Erlichman (Sedrick Chin), 79:18

SHOTS
Boston U.: 10
Binghamton: 8

CORNER KICKS
Boston U.: 6
Binghamton: 9

SAVES
Boston U.: Zach Riffet (110:00, 2 saves)
Binghamton: Ryan Bertoni (110:00, 3 saves)