VESTAL, NY – High graduate losses mean big opportunities.

The ninth head coach Neel Bhattacharjee sees its Binghamton women’s soccer season begin in 2024. The Bearcats have won back-to-back America East regular season titles, including an eight-game undefeated streak last fall (5-0-3). In fact, Binghamton has lost just once in its last 16 conference games (11-1-4).

But Bhattacharjee will have a significantly revamped roster in 2024, as 10 key players, including six starters, are leaving. Gone are four of the team’s top six point scorers, two first-team all-conference selections and all three captains.

“We continue to build our identity, with so many new faces,” Bhattacharjee says. “The number of graduates has led to great opportunities for new roles. We laid some building blocks in the spring, but now with eight freshmen, we will look to continue to develop and grow over the course of the preseason and nonconference schedule so we can get right into the America East mix once conference play begins.”

Central defenders Herber, Garofalo and GK Williams form the defence
Despite the move, the Bearcats still have some important players back, especially in defense. In goal Kaitlyn Williams is back for her third season as a starter. Last fall, Williams was named to the All-Conference second team after posting a 1.17 goals-against average and five shutouts. A strong goalie, Williams had an 80% save percentage – the third-highest among goalies in the conference.

Second semester Rebecca Kessler began her college career last fall and is coming off a strong spring. She reads the game well and should continue to get more time. Freshmen Erika Kangas rounds off the goalkeeper group.

In the back row the junior tandem Brooke Herber and in the second year of study Sophia Garofalo returns at center. Herber was named to the All-Conference second team last year and Garofalo made a splash as a 90-minute player and was named All-Rookie. Co-captain Herber was also named to the preseason All-Conference team.

“Brooke and Sophia have developed a strong playing connection over the last year,” says Bhattacharjee. “This will be extremely helpful for our organization and our defensive work. It is very reassuring to know that our two center backs have this experience and will be consistent from day one.”

With the completion of experienced full-backs Lexi Vegoda And Grace VictoriaThere are two starting places available. Junior Allison Falvo should be in the running to regain the starting spot she held as a freshman. She has made 24 starts in two seasons and is coming off a strong spring. Versatile senior back Erin Hogan should also fight for important playing time. Hogan struggled through an injury-riddled junior season but was a starter in 2022. Michael B. is another option for the wing after playing eight games as a rookie.

A number of other players are in defence, including young players Devin Lillis (Duquesne), Senior Nicole RagoJunior Madison O’Sullivan and local newcomer Erin McDonald. Senior Hailey Roberts and newbie Sam Allen will miss the season due to injury.

The defense has allowed just six goals in eight conference games, and Bhattacharjee believes his unit can lower that number even further.

Midfield without McKnights
For the first time in five years, Binghamton’s lineup will be without McKnight as talented twins Olivia and Victoria have graduated, leaving a large void. Bhattacharjee addressed that with a notable move by removing the second-year forward and reigning America East Rookie of the Year from the roster. Paige Luke back to the offensive center midfield position. Luke made an immediate impact last fall, scoring four goals and 10 points, leading the conference in scoring among rookies.

Oldest Co-Captain Alex Marsteller returns to her usual position as a defensive midfielder, where she will be a regular for four years. With her resolute defending and possession skills, Marsteller has earned high praise from Bhattacharjee, although she has received unheralded recognition until now.

“Alex is one of the most underrated midfielders in the league,” he says. “She does an excellent job of keeping the ball, changing points of attack and covering the ground.”
Talented newcomer Anna Buckwalter is expected to play a prominent role. She scored 118 career points at Daniel Boone Area High School and her FC Revolution club team has won two consecutive national championships. She is a versatile athlete with a high workload and can play multiple positions in the lineup.

senior Isabella Martillo and in the second year of study Bella Brown will play in midfield. When Martillo is healthy, he will contribute a lot in central midfield. Brown has shown good technical skills and will fight for time in the defensive position.

First semester Hannah Scionti and veteran Maria Poulos offer additional options.

Ontario duo brings momentum to the front line
With 14 goalscorers and 10 players from the 2023 class leaving the club, Bhattacharjee needs new players in attack. The tandem of newcomers Jahkaya Davis And Alex Worrellboth from Ontario, should help fill the gap. Davis has a strong left foot and an attacking presence and can play centrally or on the wing. Worrell can also play inside or out and is a dangerous attacking threat with excellent club pedigree.

Junior Lauren Clarklast season with four goals, including two winners, shared the team lead, has continued his steady rise and will pose a threat, especially in set pieces. Senior Hannah Mimas should also earn more playing time thanks to their tremendous work rate and speed. Both Clark and Mimas played around 45 minutes per game last season.
Improved versatile senior Mackenzie Ryder After a strong spring and a good first year, she was able to hold her own in the race for time in the leading group Sofia Miller is getting back into shape after an injury.

Preparation for conference games remains the focus
Binghamton will take a nine-game undefeated streak into the 2024 season and will begin with three straight road games, beginning on Aug. 18 at A-10 member George Washington. After road games at MAAC top-ranked team Canisius (Aug. 22) and in-state rival St. Bonaventure (Aug. 25), the Bearcats will play their first home game on Aug. 29 against CAA runner-up Monmouth. Following the team’s fourth road game (Sept. 1 at American) of five to start the season, Binghamton welcomes ACC member Syracuse to the Bearcats Sports Complex on Sept. 5. Another reigning 2023 conference finalist awaits when Wagner comes to town on Sept. 8.

Binghamton will play eight non-conference games before America East play begins Sept. 22, with a tough opener against defending tournament champion Maine. The Black Bears were picked first in the Coaches’ Preseason Poll, one spot ahead of Binghamton. New Hampshire, UMass Lowell and Vermont are ranked third through fifth and are also strong contenders.

The Bearcats will play in their usual possession style and prepare for the postseason
Fans can expect the 2024 Bearcats to continue Bhattacharjee’s pattern of high possession and passing accuracy – a formula that is both pleasing to the eye and pleasing to the conference standings. Combine that with aggressive defensive pressure and opportunistic scoring, and Binghamton will be on track for success despite its relatively young roster.

“We’ve established ourselves as one of the more consistent teams in the American East,” Bhattacharjee said. “But we know it’s going to be a big challenge to win the regular-season championship for the third year in a row. But that’s our goal… to prepare ourselves for a postseason run for the title and an NCAA berth.”