Bearcats defeat New Hampshire 2-0 in regular season finale, earn at least No. 3 seed in America East Conference Tournament

Box Score

VESTAL, N.Y.--Freshman midfielder Joey Nielson (Boothwyn, Pa./ Strath Haven) and freshman forward Bryan Arnault (Clay, N.Y./ Cicero-North Syracuse) each netted their fourth goal of the season, leading Binghamton (10-2-6, 4-1-4 AE) to a 2-0 win at New Hampshire (8-9-0, 3-6-0 AE) in the final regular men's soccer regular season game of the year. With the victory, Binghamton has clinched at least the third seed in the upcoming America East Conference Tournament. Should Hartford defeat or tie Boston tonight, the Bearcats would earn the No. 2 seed as well as the accompanying first-round bye.

The Bearcats have gone 6-0-5 during the past 11 games, marking their longest unbeaten run since going 12-0-0 during a 12-game stretch in the 1989 season. In addition, Binghamton extended its school record with its 14th shutout of the season. In the process, the Bearcats finish the regular season as the only team in the nation not to allow a first-half goal. Binghamton has not allowed a goal in its past seven games, breaking the school record of six consecutive shutouts to start the 1987 season.

"This was a very good game today," head coach Paul Marco said. "We had to go deep into our bench because it was so competitive but our guys really came through today."

Neilson opened up the scoring at the 39:45 mark when he headed in a corner kick taken by Arnault. Neilson then returned the favor by assisting on Arnault's goal at the 83:55 mark of the game. Freshman back Greg Picciano (Malvern, N.Y./ Chaminade) was also credited with an assist on the second goal.

The host Wildcats outshot Binghamton by an 13-9 margin, including by an 6-3 deficit in the second half. Sophomore goalkeeper Stefan Gonet (Refrewshire, Scotland/Trinity), however, recorded five saves in posting his 14th shutout of the season. That extends his single season school record.

NOTES: Binghamton finished the regular season having gone 5-0-3 in road games this season. In its only neutral site game of the season, the Bearcats defeated Mt. St. Mary's 2-0 on August 31 in a game that was played at Monmouth.