Men's Soccer Drops 2-1 Overtime Decision to Conference Foe

Vestal, N.Y. - Freshman forward Adam Whitehead scored his first career goal just 90 seconds after senior goalkeeper Jason Stenta saved a penalty kick to propel Binghamton to a 2-1 overtime victory over UAlbany in an America East Conference men's soccer match on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

After a scoreless first half which was evenly played, the teams traded goals at the midway point of the second stanza. UAlbany struck first in the 68th minute when Konner McNamara collected the rebound of a blast taken by Bo Jelovac, which was initially saved by Bearcat goalkeeper Jason Stenta.

Binghamton (6-4-1, AE 1-0-0), which made its conference-record sixth consecutive appearance in the America East championship match last year, answered right back with the equalizer just 3:25 later. Matt Kristek took a cross from Tounkara Santigi and fired a shot past Great Dane goalkeeper Adrian Foncette from 12 yards out. Nothing was decided the rest of the way, and the teams headed to an extra session for the second straight meeting.

UAlbany (0-9-2, AE 0-2-0), which was looking to avenge last season's 1-0 double overtime loss in the semifinal round of the league tournament to the Bearcats, had a golden opportunity to win the match when it was awarded a penalty kick in the 93rd minute of play. However, Ian Peach's shot was saved by Stenta. Binghamton carried that wave of momentum the other way and scored the golden goal just over a minute later when Kyle Kucharski found Whitehead downfield.

UAlbany's Foncette made seven saves on 17 opportunities in the losing effort. Binghamton's Stenta turned away six of the 14 shots he faced to earn the victory and keep his team unbeaten in the regular season at the Bearcats Sports Complex since the facility opened two years ago.

The Great Danes return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 14 when they travel to Vermont for a 3 p.m. match at Centennial Field.

UAlbany (0-9-2, AE 0-2-0) 0 1 0 - 1
Binghamton (6-4-1, AE 1-0-0) 0 1 1 - 2

UAlbany: Scoring - Konner McNamara (1-0). Goalkeeping: Adrian Foncette (94:30, 2 GA, 7 saves).

Binghamton: Scoring - Adam Whitehead (1-0), Matt Kristek (1-0), Tounkara Santigi (0-1), Ryan Walter (0-1), Kyle Kucharski (0-1). Goalkeeping: Jason Stenta (94:30, 1 GA, 6 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information