Vestal, N.Y. ? Casey Pedersen's goal in the 94th minute led Binghamton to a 1-0 overtime victory over the University at Albany in women's soccer action at the Bearcats Sports Complex on Sunday, Oct. 19. The win lifted the Bearcats into sixth place in the league standings, while the loss dropped the Great Danes down into a tie for eighth. With two days of matches left on the league schedule this week, all nine teams are still eligible for a bid to the six-team America East Conference Tournament.

            UAlbany (3-15-0, AE 1-5-0) held a commanding 7-2 advantage in total shots before recess, but the teams played to a scoreless tie in the first half. The starting defense consisting of freshmen Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Annika Hanson, Katie Norwood and sophomore newcomer Jenna Burke did not allow the Bearcats to record a shot on goal.

Ashley Tirabassi had a good opportunity to put the Great Danes on the scoreboard early in the second half, but her shot was saved by the Binghamton defense before it could cross the goal line. Stefanie Knopick took the Bearcats' first shot on goal in the 57th minute, but UAlbany goalkeeper Amber Maisonet was there to make the save and keep the match scoreless. Even though both teams had numerous chances to find the back of the net, nothing was decided through 90 minutes of action.

            In the extra period, Binghamton (6-7-1, AE 2-4-0) put itself in the driver's seat for the sixth and final spot in the upcoming America East Tournament when Pedersen's shot was drilled into the top netting from 30 yards out. The goal dealt the Great Danes only their first loss in overtime this season.

            UAlbany's Maisonet made three saves and faced 12 Bearcat shots. Binghamton's Jen McEachron, who was credited with six saves, recorded her fifth shutout of the season.

The Great Danes still have a chance to qualify for the six-team America East Tournament for the first time in program history when they wrap up regular season play this week. UAlbany will host Vermont on Thursday at 3 p.m. and UMBC on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Great Danes will need to win both matches and get some help from across the league to earn a bid to the conference tournament.

 -agate-

UAlbany (3-15-0, AE 1-5-0)         0          0          0          -           0

Binghamton (6-7-1, AE 2-4-0)      0          0          1          -           1

UAlbany: Scoring ? None. Goalkeeper ? Amber Maisonet (93:02, 1 GA, 3 saves).

Binghamton: Scoring ? Casey Pedersen (1-0). Goalkeeper ? Jen McEachron (93:02, 0 GA, 6 saves).

Binghamton 1, UAlbany 0 (OT) (Oct 19, 2008)