Cornell men’s soccer built a three-goal halftime advantage Tuesday night and never looked back, defeating Binghamton 3-1 at Berman Field.
The Big Red improved to 4-2-0 with their eighth consecutive victory over Binghamton, a winning streak that dates to 2017. The Bearcats fell to 1-4-3.
Sergio Zapata got Cornell on the scoreboard in the 11th minute, finishing a chance created by Connor Miller and Liam May. Miller then helped set up the second goal in the 30th minute, finding Lennon Harrington, who doubled the Big Red’s lead.
Cornell continued to apply pressure before halftime. Nate Hovan capped the three-goal opening half in the 41st minute, converting a play assisted by Calvin Momanyi and Andrew Miles.
The Big Red controlled the first half from start to finish, holding a 9-2 advantage in shots while limiting Binghamton to just two attempts on goal.
Cornell continued to dictate play after halftime and finished the night with a 19-5 edge in total shots and an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. Miller and Harrington each contributed to two of Cornell’s three goals, while Miller also recorded two shots on target in the second half.
Binghamton finally broke through in the 83rd minute when Ryan Conti scored off a pass from Henry Topp, cutting Cornell’s lead to 3-1. The Big Red defense prevented any further damage to close out the victory.
Filip Versterre made two saves for Cornell, while Binghamton goalkeeper Natan Jemaneh Admassu stopped five shots.
Cornell also controlled the corner-kick battle 13-3.
The Big Red will open Ivy League play Saturday when Harvard visits Berman Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.