Transitioning into conference play after a dramatic double-overtime win, the Binghamton University men’s lacrosse team failed to clinch a victory in a critical game against UMBC. The Bearcats fell to the Retrievers 12-6, leaving the team in a precarious position for the postseason.
On Saturday night, 447 fans gathered at the Bearcats Sports Complex to see a rematch against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2-7, 1-1 America East), who edged out the Bearcats (3-8 0-2 AE) in a postseason overtime match last season. This time around, Binghamton could not match up to UMBC and must now win all of its remaining games this season to vie for the America East crown and an NCAA tournament berth.
The game was tied in the first quarter with two goals by each team, including one from Binghamton’s leading scorer, freshman attack Matt Springer. The Bearcats kept the score close until halftime, but could not come up with enough offensive power to respond to the Retrievers. UMBC opened the floodgates, scoring seven consecutive goals to command a lead of 9-2 by the third quarter.
Bearcats head coach Ed Stephenson attributed the lack of offense to a combination of missed scoring opportunities and sloppy ball handling.
“We didn’t execute the fundamentals,” Stephenson said. “Offense wasn’t proficient, neither was catching and throwing. It wasn’t a good exhibition of stick skills.”
After a scoreless 27 minutes, Binghamton raced back into the game, putting up four straight goals and pulling the score within three goals. Contributing to the offense were senior midfielder Andy Cook with two goals and junior midfielder Frank Donlon and senior attack Jeff Rurey, who had one goal apiece.
But UMBC put a stop to Binghamton’s second-half surge, capping its victory off with three goals. The Bearcats outshot UMBC 30-29, committed 17 turnovers, and were 10-of-21 in faceoffs.
Binghamton has made the America East tournament in each of the past six seasons under Stephenson, but is now facing possible elimination from postseason contention. With this loss, the Bearcats are down to their final three games of the regular season, all of which they must win to secure a spot in the postseason. No. 23 Stony Brook University is next on the schedule, making Binghamton’s task a daunting one.
“Now we have our backs against the wall,” Stephenson said. “Stony Brook is No. 1 in the conference and nationally ranked. Statistically, they are a tremendous challenge. It’s going to be an uphill battle from here on.”
Binghamton is set to face the Seawolves at 7 p.m. this Saturday in its final home game of the season at the Bearcats Sports Complex.