Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Binghamton
Bucknell Women's Soccer Drops Opener to Binghamton, 3-0
8/17/2012 8:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 17, 2012
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Bucknell finished with a 17-8 shot advantage, but Binghamton was able to capitalize on its scoring chances and prevailed 3-0 in the women's soccer season opener for both teams on Friday at Emmitt Field. Brittany Walsh scored on the first shot of the game in the 13th minute, and the Bearcats tacked on two more in the second half.
Bucknell generated plenty of quality scoring chances but could not finish them off. The Bison attempted 14 shots in the second half alone, but Binghamton goalkeepers Carrie Martin and Stephanie Spears combined for seven saves.
The Bison had a golden opportunity to take the lead just seven minutes into the match when Cassie Denger got behind the Binghamton defense. Denger, who had a very strong game just 24 hours after having four wisdom teeth removed, came in from the right side and elected to square a pass across the 6-yard box, but it was broken up by a retreating defender.
Denger led the Bison with five total shot attempts and four on goal.
All three Binghamton goals came on through balls played between Bison defenders. The first game at the 12:37 mark when Sarah Furminger sent in Walsh, and the Binghamton senior tucked a shot inside the left post.
Seven minutes later the Bearcats nearly had another when a seemingly harmless ball sent in from 30 yards out sailed on Bison keeper Sandita McDermott, who had to tip it off the crossbar. Somehow the ball avoided hitting her on the way back out, and the margin remained one goal until after halftime.
Bucknell sent plenty of crosses into the box in the second half, including one off a Taryn Boucher free kick that pinballed several times before being cleared to safety.
With Bucknell threatening, Binghamton countered with a critical insurance goal in the 62nd minute. Jamie Holliday passed ahead to Emily Pape, who got just enough foot on the ball to spin it away from McDermott into the right side netting.
The Bearcats made it 3-0 on a 78th-minute counter attack, with Holliday picking up her second assist to reserve Conor O'Brien, whose 15-yard shot struck the crossbar and went down over the line.
Bucknell's best combo came with just over 10 minutes remaining. Courtney Nelson sent a ball to Denger wide on the left side, and Denger's delivery just eluded the foot of a sliding Brigit Falcon.
"I was pleased that we were able to generate some quality chances, but we need to work on finishing," said coach Ben Landis after the match. "We exerted a lot of energy chasing the game a bit after going down 1-0 early. I am proud of the effort. Individually we did some great things today, but collectively we can and will be better."
Bucknell now has a week off to prepare for its first road trip of the season, a tough test at Rutgers next Friday. The Bison will be nome again on Sunday, Aug. 26 against Robert Morris at 3 p.m.
