VESTAL, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure women's soccer team fell, 2-1, in its first road contest of the season against Binghamton on Thursday, dropping the first of a lengthy stretch of away games.
 
Binghamton (2-0) stole an early lead and never looked back, as a miscommunication among the visitors' defense in just the sixth minute led to an easy score by Bearcats forward Jahkaya Davis on a wide-open attempt.
 
Though their lead would remain at one through the end of the half, there was no shortage of chances for the hosts on their offensive end. The America East Preseason Poll co-favorites would continue to search for holes in the Bonnies' defense with crosses and fast breaks, but to no avail. Bonnies goalkeeper Juliana Castellano, who made four saves on the night, recorded her first stop during this stretch in the 32^nd minute and notched another just six minutes later to keep the margin at only one.
 
St. Bonaventure (0-1-1) would struggle to get its offense in gear as the Bearcats did not allow a shot in the first half. Sophomore forward Ekemini Udofa drew closest to a scoring opportunity in the 31^st minute as she split two defenders and sent a serviceable cross to the box, but it was deflected away to end the chance.
 
Bona opened up the second half with more flare, though, scaring the home fans with a promising free kick into the box in the 51^st minute that was narrowly sent away. Just two minutes later, Castellano stonewalled a fast break and sent the shot ricocheting back into the mix where it was corralled by the hosts, fired back towards goal, and deflected by sophomore midfielder Hannah Lindenberger for a beautiful defensive sequence.
 
Despite the efforts, Binghamton extended its lead shortly after as Davis ran unassisted through her attacking half and netted her second goal of the contest.
 
The Bonnies responded quickly, though, as graduate student Daniela De Souza fired the team's first shot of the game at the 58-minute mark. Just 10 minutes later, graduate student Paula Sanabria Diaz bounced a free kick off the left post and in to put the visitors on the board.
 
Though Bonaventure was finally able to capture some momentum, it would not be enough to overcome the early deficit. The two teams went back and forth for the remainder of the second stanza, and some late clock-running maneuvers by Binghamton would be enough to seal the win for the home side. 
 
The Bearcats outpaced the Bonnies 18-3 in shots, though just six of their chances were put on frame. 
 
The Bonnies are back in action on Sunday as they continue their road trip, traveling to face Youngstown State at 1 p.m.
 
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