UMBC Ekes Past Binghamton in Double OT
from press release
BALTIMORE, MD.-- Ryan Smith scored 55 seconds into the second
sudden-death overtime period, leading top-seeded UMBC (11-3) to a
9-8 win over fourth-seeded Binghamton (3-12) in an America East
Conference semifinal game on Wednesday evening at UMBC Stadium. It
marked the second year in a row that the Retrievers have needed
overtime to defeat the Bearcats in the playoffs.
"It was a tough loss for us but I thought our team played great
against a very good opponent," head coach Ed Stephenson said. "I
thought our seniors in particular were outstanding."
Smith's heroics overshadowed the dramatic performance of junior
attack Andy Cook, who scored three goals, including the game-tying
goal with 53 seconds left in regulation. Cook becomes the first
Bearcat player ever to record a hat trick in the America East
Tournament.
UMBC, the defending America East champion and No. 11 team in the
nation, jumped out to a 5-2 lead at the half. Chris Jones, who
matched Cook for the game high with three goals, completed his hat
trick in the opening 30 minutes of play. His final goal came with
12 seconds left in the half.
After the break, however, Binghamton locked down on defense and
allowed just three goals over the final two quarters. Senior goalie
Larry Kline made 13 saves, including seven alone in the second
half.
Down 7-4 with 2:00 left in the third quarter, the Bearcats clawed
their way back in the game on goals by sophomore attack Frank
Donlon and junior midfielder Steve Carlson. With 9:06 left in
regulation, Binghamton had cut the deficit to 7-6.
Seven minutes of scoreless action followed before Cook tied the
game on an unassisted goal with 2:31 left to go. UMBC, however,
came right back on a goal by Alex Hopmann with exactly 2:00
remaining. That set the stage for Cook's game-tying score just over
a minute later.
UMBC outshot Binghamton 46-25 for the game, including 4-1 in the
two overtime periods. The Retrievers also won 14 of the 22 face
offs and held a 38-27 edge in ground balls.
