MEN'S SOCCER DAILY UPDATE

October 6, 2008

This Date in Men's Soccer History: October 6, 2007

For weeks, the Binghamton Athletic Department had been preparing for Oct. 6, 2007. On that Saturday night, the university would formally dedicate the Bearcats Sports Complex before what was expected to be a near-capacity crowd. The men's soccer team would then open its America East title defense against longtime rival, Boston University. Before the night was over, however, it would be Cameron Keith who would truly christen the new complex.

Since opening on Sept. 18, the Bearcats Sports Complex had hosting four Binghamton women's games. Before larger than usual crowds, the women went 2-1-1 at home during that span. The men finally got their first chance on Sept. 29 with a 3-0 win over Cornell before more than 1,800 fans. Keith scored all three goals as the Bearcats improved to 7-2-0 on the season. It was a special night for the program, but it was just a preview of the following weekend.

To the Binghamton administration, Homecoming Weekend appeared to be the perfect time to arrange the formal dedication of the new facility. The alumni turnout at athletic events had been strong in the past. The game against Boston was the first-ever night game at home for the Bearcats on Homecoming Weekend. Dignitaries such as New York State Senator Thomas Libous, America East Commissioner Patrick Nero and Binghamton University President Lois DeFleur were all on hand to take part in what was sure to be a historic event.

At the start of the evening, however, things looked as if they would quickly unravel. A steady downpour forced the formal dedication ceremony, which was supposed to take place at midfield shortly before kickoff, to be moved indoors to the Events Center. The weather also appeared to keep much of the crowd away at the start of the match.

The weather started to clear up about 15 minutes into the match but just as the crowd started to file in, Boston went up 1-0. With the Terriers historically packing in their defense once they got a lead, it looked as if the match and the night, would not live up to the extensive buildup.

Enter Cameron Keith.

After the Terrier goal, Binghamton kept up the offensive pressure, outshooting Boston 7-3 in the opening half. Finally, in the 33rd minute, Keith scored his fourth goal in the last two games. The crowd, which continued to grow as the weather cleared up, was re-energized. The pep band, which had to cover their instruments at the start of the match due to the rain, was now playing the Ole song.

By the time the second half was underway, nearly 1,800 fans were at the Bearcats Sports Complex. Backed by the crowd, Binghamton outshot Boston 9-3 in the second half. The score, however, remained tied after regulation. As was the case in five previous meetings between the two squads, the game was heading into overtime.

With time winding down in the opening 10-minute sudden death period, Matt Narode knocked the ball loose from the Boston goalkeeper. Waiting on the doorstep was Keith, who scored his second goal of the game. That moment produced bedlam, both on the field and in the stands.

The postgame scene of the team mobbing Keith and then heading over to the stands to celebrate with the cheering fans erased any glitches that may have occurred earlier in the evening.

Without question, the heroics of Keith and the Bearcats had a dramatic effect on the program, especially in terms of attendance. The Bearcats, backed by a roaring student section, ranked 21st in the nation in attendance during the 2007 season. This year, they welcomed over 1,800 fans to their home opener against Bucknell on Sept. 18.

The carryover in support for the team was due in no small part to the overtime win against Boston. As former Pipe Dream Sports Editor Mark Macyk put it in one of his columns:

"Soccer is not supposed to sell in America. Americans are not supposed to line up in the freezing cold and chant and sing for their favorite strikers. But it has happened, here at Binghamton University. Had that game been a loss, that might not have happened."

Simply put, Keith provided the true opening to the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Posted October 6, 2008. 2:30 p.m.
Feedback should be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu.