Recapping events from Monday, October 13 - Sunday, October 19

MEN’S SOCCER (5-9-2/4-4) – Bengals Stay in Playoff Hunt

After a non-conference loss to open the week, the Bengals earned a critical split of conference contests on the weekend.

Buffalo State lost a 3-1 decision against non-conference opponent Penn State Behrend on Tuesday at Coyer Field. The Lions led 1-0 at the half, and increased their lead to 2-0 in the 59th minute of the game. The Bengals would cut the lead to one with 39 minutes to play when Brian Miller (Tonawanda/Kenmore East) scored his 12 goal of the season assisted by Erick Hansen (Irving/Lakeshore) and Dennis Behrens (Lancaster, PA/Hempfield). The Lions would seal the victory with 18 minutes to play. Dave Grant (Tonawanda, Kenmore East) and Kevin Senator (Scottsville/Wheatland-Chili) each played a half in net for the Bengals. Grant recorded three saves, Senator had four in the game.

Cortland proved too much for visiting Buffalo State on Friday as the Red Dragons prevailed by a 5-1 score. The Red Dragons opened the scoring early in the first half, but Buffalo State tied the score at 1-1 in the 32nd minute on a goal by Matthew Romano (Eden/Eden) from Richard Namulala (Kenmore/Kenmore West). Cortland regained the lead at 2-1 by halftime, and then pulled away in the second stanza.

Buffalo State team stayed alive in the SUNYAC playoff hunt Saturday with a 2-1 road-victory over Oswego. With the win the Bengals improved their record to 5-9-2 and 4-4 in the SUNYAC. Freshman Matt Ketchum (Churchville/Churchville-Chili) opened the game’s scoring in the first half on a Namulala pass to give the Bengals’ a 1-0 lead. Junior Dennis Behrens (Lancaster, PA/Lancaster) would add to the Bengals’ lead with a goal. Shawn McDonnell (West Seneca/West Seneca East) was solid in net for the Bengals stopping nine shots, including a crucial penalty kick in the first half to protect Buffalo State’s 1-0 lead. Buffalo State was out-shot 14-12 in the game.

WOMEN’S SOCCER (6-6-1/3-4) – Bengals Split SUNYAC Twin Bill

Buffalo State opened the week with a big win over D’Youville, but dropped a pair of conference games on the weekend.

Gina Monaco (Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls) tallied a Buffalo State record six goals in a 13-0 win over D'Youville Tuesday at the West Seneca Soccer Complex. Monaco also tallied two assists as she became the Bengals all-time leading scorer with 90 points, passing Valerie Krell's (1983-86) 85. Lucy Bauda (W. Seneca/Orchard Park) added three goals for the Bengals. Lindsay Cashmore (Clarence/Clarence), Katie Zariczny (Great Valley/Ellicottville), Colleen Ingerto (Smyrna/Sherburne-Earlville) and Rachel Perucki (Springwater/Honeoye Central) also added goals for the Bengals. Christina Semertzides (Wappinger Falls/Roy C. Ketchum) also set a school record for assists in a game with four.

Buffalo State was shutout 6-0 by Cortland on Friday at Coyer Field. After scoring 20 goals in its previous two games, Buffalo State failed to ignite its offense as Cortland took a 4-0 lead by halftime, and cruised to the 6-0 victory. The Red Dragons held a 37-10 advantage in shots. Jessica Bingerman (Great Valley/Ellicottville) made a career-high 16 saves for the Bengals in the loss.

Buffalo State dropped a 6-2 decision at home on Saturday against Oswego. With the loss the Bengals dropped to 7-8-1 overall and 3-6 in the SUNYAC. The Bengals were down 4-0 when sophomore Melisa Petre (Cheektowaga/Cheektowaga) scored her first goal of the season assisted by Amy Drozen (Williamsville/Williamsville East). Monaco would finish the Bengal’s scoring on a unassisted goal coming in the 78th minute of the game. Bingerman recorded eight saves in net for the Bengals. Buffalo State was out-shot 18-8 in the contest.

The Bengals are back in action on Wednesday, October 22, opponent Fredonia. Game time is at 3:00 p.m.