For Immediate Release: September 26, 2004
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Binghamton women's soccer eases past Canisius 3-1

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Box Score

VESTAL, N.Y.--Junior midfielder Kelly Sanders (Ramsey, N.J.) registered a goal and an assist, including the game-winner 5:30 into the second half, leading Binghamton (6-1-1) to a 3-1 win over visiting Canisius (1-6) in women's soccer action Sunday afternoon at West Gym Field.

The Bearcats outshot their guests, 31-4, but needed two second-half goals to break away from a 1-1 deadlock.

"I thought we played from 18 to 18 (yard box) pretty well and took it to them but we need to finish better," head coach Jeff Leightman said. "Creating 31 shots and only scoring three goals isn't quite where we want to be, but we did create some great chances."

Junior defender Meghan Taylor (Campbell Hall, N.Y.) opened the scoring at the 7:22 mark, taking a cross from Sanders and drilling a 16-yard volley past Golden Griffins keeper Jenna Gage. But despite controlling possession and outshooting Canisius by a whopping 19-1 margin, BU could not add to its lead and the Griffs made good on their lone shot of the half - a header from freshman midfielder Lindsay Benson in the 17th minute.

Sanders notched the eventual game-winner moments after second-half play began. She moved down the right wing toward the endline before cutting directly to the goal and beating the keeper from a sharp angle.

Sophomore forward Danielle White (Haddon Township, N.J.) scored the game's final goal at the 64:44 mark, completing a nice give-and-go play with senior midfielder Caitlin O'Shaughnessy (Stony Point, N.Y.). The assist was O'Shaughnessy's team-high fourth of the season.

The Bearcats next head to Durham, N.H. on Friday to take on New Hampshire in their America East opener.

"We're excited to get going with conference play," Leightman said. "I think America East games will be a great challenge for everybody. I don't know if any team will run away with the title. Every game will be a battle and we're looking forward to it."