HAMILTON, N.Y. — The men's soccer team defeated the visiting Binghamton Bearcats, 2-1, on Friday night to earn their second victory of the season. The Raiders fought back from a one-goal deficit thanks to a Binghamton own goal in the waning moments of the first half and an unassisted score from senior forward
Aidan Davock that sealed the win for the home side.
Less than five minutes into the game, the Raiders found themselves down by a goal after a deep strike from Binghamton's graduate midfielder Jack Green. The Bearcats held most of the momentum for the remainder of the half until a cross from first-year defender Connor Cates struck off the head of a Binghamton player and found nylon 15 seconds before intermission.
"We didn't start the game with the energy or intent that will make us successful. We were fortunate to even be tied at halftime," Head Coach Erik Ronning said. "But I'll give our kids credit because they came out in the second half playing faster and with more confidence that looked more like a Colgate soccer team."
Colgate came out firing after the Binghamton own goal, forcing Bearcat goalie Dylan McDermott to make a save off a shot from sophomore midfielder Cason Stafford less than a minute into the second frame. By the 58-minute mark, Colgate was outshooting their opponent 6-3.
Less than 10 minutes later, the Raider attack broke through when junior midfielder Alejandro Coury played a ball to Davock down the center of the pitch. With a defender on his back, Davock pushed the pace, avoided the tackle and chipped the keeper for the game-winning goal.
Binghamton upped the tempo for the remaining 25 minutes in search of the equalizer, putting up six shots to Colgate's two, but the visitors could not capitalize on any of the chances.
First-years Cates, Jack Beerling and Wade Johnson continue to play big minutes this season for the Raiders and were joined by fellow first-year Charlie Yates who made his collegiate debut in the maroon & white. The Raiders also set a new season-high with four shots on goal.
UP NEXT
Colgate heads north for a bout at No. 22 ranked Vermont at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.
