VESTAL, N.Y. — The Marist women's soccer team opened its 2026 season Sunday afternoon, falling 2-0 to Binghamton at the Bearcats Sports Complex.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Binghamton broke through in the 70th minute and added an insurance goal 10 minutes later to secure the season-opening victory.
The Red Foxes and Bearcats battled through a tightly contested first half, with Binghamton holding a 4-2 edge in shots. Marist earned two corner kicks in the opening half, while the two teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
Marist continued to battle early in the second half, with Mia Fluckiger having a shot blocked in the 50th minute before Caroline Liptak put another attempt high less than a minute later.
Binghamton opened the scoring in the 69th minute when Crystal Knoell headed home a corner kick from Anna Buckwalter to give the Bearcats a 1-0 advantage.
The Bearcats added to their lead in the 79th minute when Taylor Gabel finished a volley off a cross from Megan Baker, pushing the Binghamton advantage to 2-0.
Marist continued to pressure in the closing minutes. Kelsey Peduto put a shot on target in the 90th minute, but Binghamton goalkeeper Rebecca Kessler made the save to preserve the shutout.
Liptak and Mia Katchouni each recorded two shots to lead the Red Foxes, while Peduto added a shot on goal off the bench. Samantha Graf played all 90 minutes in goal for Marist.
Binghamton finished the afternoon with an 8-5 advantage in shots and a 6-3 edge in corner kicks. The Red Foxes held 44 percent of possession.
Marist returns to action on Thursday, August 20th, for its next contest as it looks to earn its first win of the 2026 season in the home opener against Colgate.
