EAST LANSING, Mich. – Unbeaten Michigan State (3-0-1) scored twice in a 6:33 span of the first half and the Big Ten member Spartans defeated visiting Binghamton women’s soccer (1-2-1) 2-0 Sunday afternoon at DeMartin Stadium.
The hosts struck first in the 30th minute with a header to the far post off a free kick. The redirect was just missed by a BU defender guarding the post. Then under seven minutes later, Michigan State sent a cross from the right side that was skimmed on to a wide open attacker, who found the far post with her seven-yard shot. Senior keeper Nicole Scott got a piece of the shot but it banked in off the far post.
“Today we played a talented and well-coached side,” head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. “I commend our student-athletes for playing in an intense environment and what I am most proud of is how they grew and settled in as the game went on and competed to match that level. Each player represented Binghamton and the America East at a high standard. We are obviously disappointed with the final result but in the end, this experience will serve us well as we develop to become better prepared for the next few matches and eventually, conference play.”
Save for that short first-half stretch, BU was even on the scoreboard with the Spartans as they played the middle game of three straight on the road.
Sophomore keeper Kaitlyn Williams made six saves in a scoreless second half in goal.
The Bearcats next face reigning Patriot League champion Bucknell Thursday night in Lewisburg, Pa.