BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - David Ismail needed just 26 minutes and 36 seconds to write the story of Vermont's dominance at Binghamton, slotting home his first goal before rifling in his second just before halftime, propelling the Catamounts to a 3-0 victory and extending the Bearcats' winless streak to five games before a crowd of 842 fans at Bearcats Sports Complex.
The early breakthrough set the tone for what became a defensive chess match, with both teams marshaling their resources to either protect or breach the opponent's defense. Vermont's Ismail opened the scoring with a composed finish, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give the Catamounts the lead. Binghamton struggled to respond, managing only one shot on target throughout the match, a damning statistic that encapsulates their offensive struggles.
As the first half wore on, Vermont continued to control the tempo, with Rui Aoki adding a third goal in the 44th minute, finishing clinically after a well-weighted through ball from team captain, Tyler Smith. The Bearcats, ranked 9th in the America East before this match, were outshot 7-3 in the first half and had yet to register a shot on target. Binghamton's midfield struggled to establish rhythm, failing to create any meaningful scoring opportunities against Vermont's organized defense.
The second half saw Binghamton push for a consolation goal, but Vermont's defense remained resolute, absorbing the pressure and denying the Bearcats any clear chances. Vermont's goalkeeper, Alex Thompson, made one save to preserve the shutout, while Binghamton's goalkeeper, Michael Lee, was tested five times, making four saves to limit the damage. Despite outfouling Binghamton 7-6, Vermont's discipline was not rewarded with any bookings, while Binghamton saw two yellow cards, both in the second half.
The statistical ledger reveals a comprehensive Vermont performance, outshooting Binghamton 10-5 overall and holding a commanding 5-1 advantage in shots on target. Vermont also edged the corner-kick battle 2-1, though neither team capitalized on their set-piece opportunities. The Catamounts' victory represents more than three points in the standings; it marks their fifth win in the last seven matches, propelling them up the America East table.
For Binghamton, the loss continues a worrying trend, with the Bearcats now winless in five straight games. Their offensive struggles are becoming increasingly apparent, with just five goals scored across their last four matches. The Bearcats face a tough test in their next match against top-ranked New Hampshire, who have won their last three games. Binghamton will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to remain competitive in the conference.
Looking ahead, the paths diverge sharply for these two teams. Vermont travels to face Albany next, while Binghamton hosts New Hampshire. The Catamounts will look to build on their momentum, while the Bearcats will need to rediscover their form if they are to salvage a difficult season.
The afternoon belonged to Vermont—and specifically to David Ismail, whose brace set the tone for a comprehensive victory. As the Catamounts look to continue their winning form, Ismail's performance will be one to watch in the coming weeks.
Key Players:
David Ismail (Vermont) – Scored twice, showcasing his clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses.
Rui Aoki (Vermont) – Finished clinically to seal the victory, demonstrating his composure in front of goal.
Tyler Smith (Vermont) – Orchestrated Vermont's attack with intelligent distribution, providing the assist for Aoki's goal.
Michael Lee (Binghamton) – Made four saves to limit the damage, though ultimately couldn't prevent the shutout loss.