WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary men’s soccer rallied from a goal deficit on the way to a season-opening 2-1 victory over Binghamton on Thursday evening at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.
Graduate midfielder Alfredo Bozalongo drew a penalty in the 75th minute and converted the spot kick to lift the Tribe to the victory. He was pulled down by Binghamton goalkeeper Dylan McDermott on the right side of the penalty area. It was his first career PK for the Tribe and his third career game-winner.
Binghamton got on the board first as Mael Lopes scored on a rebound in the 27th minute. The initial shot from Jack Green was blocked by graduate goalkeeper Cole McNally on a dive to his right.
The Tribe drew even before the half, scoring in the 39th minute off a corner kick. Freshman Gabe Ruitenberg served in the set piece to the near side of the six where senior midfielder Augie Cooper flicked a header inside the far post to knot the game at one. It was Cooper’s first collegiate goal.
W&M had the better of play for the majority of the night, outshooting the Bearcats, 18-6, and holding a 9-2 advantage in chances on goal. The Tribe also had a 59% to 41% advantage in possession. The Green and Gold also generated eight corner kicks compared to four for the visitors. Bozalongo led the Tribe with five shots, including two on goal, while freshman Aidan Morrison put three of his four shots on goal.
Scoring
27′ | Binghamton – Mael Lopes (Jack Green)
39′ | W&M – Augie Cooper (Gabe Ruitenberg)
75′ | W&M – Alfredo Bozalongo (penalty kick)
Starters
W&M – #1 McNally (GK), #6 Bozalongo, #8 Branco, #11 Morrison, #12 Luke-Miny, #13 Crocco, #14 Knapp, #15 Krajna, #17 Salom, #21 Cooper, #23 Core
Binghamton – #1 McDermott (GK), #3 Heanue, #5 Bush, #7 Green, #9 Lopes, #11 Moe, #14 Randazzo, #15 Balkey, #18 Noecker, #22 Mahoney, #27 Vargas
Up Next
The Tribe hits the road for the first time this season when it heads to Coastal Carolina on Monday, Aug. 28. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
