Syracuse women’s soccer suffered a setback Thursday night, falling 1-0 to Binghamton at Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York, after an own goal proved to be the difference.
The Orange dropped to 3-2-2 on the season, while Binghamton improved to 4-0-2 and extended its regular-season unbeaten streak to 19 matches. The Bearcats have also yet to allow a goal through six games this season.
The decisive moment came just 14 seconds after halftime. A Binghamton cross from the right side took a deflection off a Syracuse defender and redirected past goalkeeper Maya Naimoli, giving the Bearcats the only goal they needed.
Syracuse had several opportunities to respond and finished with a 9-7 edge in total shots. The Orange also put six attempts on target and earned five corner kicks compared to one for Binghamton.
Julia Arbelaez nearly opened the scoring in the first half when she created space with a right-foot-to-left-foot move before sending a shot just over the crossbar in the 29th minute.
Vickie Jones also tested Binghamton goalkeeper Rebecca Kessler in the 37th minute after Gabby Wisbeck’s free kick set up a headed attempt, but Kessler tipped the ball over the crossbar. Jones finished with a game-high three shots.
Syracuse continued to push late, with Leda Naihin forcing Kessler into another save on a close-range attempt with just over six minutes remaining.
Kessler finished with six saves to preserve the shutout, while Bree Bridges continued her streak of playing every minute this season, reaching 630 minutes.
Ava Uribe also returned to action for the first time this season after missing the opening six matches while recovering from an injury.
Syracuse will begin Atlantic Coast Conference play Sunday, September 13, with a road matchup against Boston College.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.