Vestal, N.Y. - The UMBC women's soccer team lost its America East Conference opener 2-1 against the Binghamton Bearcats on Sunday afternoon at Bearcats Sports Complex.
 
Binghamton sophomore forward Jahkaya Davis scored her conference-leading sixth goal of the season, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage just 4:19 into the game. Following a throw-in, Davis received a pass from Paige Luke (assist) just outside the top of the box. She then advanced the ball a couple of yards and fired a low shot past UMBC graduate student goalie Kalli Williams (three saves) from 22 yards out.
 
UMBC (4-4-3, 0-1-0 AE) equalized with just 6:27 remaining in the first half after capitalizing on a defensive error. After a free kick into the box, a Bearcats' defender tried to clear a loose ball along the endline but inadvertently passed it to senior midfielder Delainey Varela-Keen, who was positioned at the seven-yard line. Varela-Keen sent a high-arching volley on goal, which eluded the outstretched arm of Binghamton goalie Rebecca Kessler (one save) and found the left corner of the net.
 
The Bearcats (6-1-2, 1-0-0 AE) scored the game-winner just 2:14 into the second half after UMBC turned the ball over deep in their territory. Ale Victoriano (assist) sent a long cross from the left corner to the top of the center of the box for Anna Buckwalter, who connected with a one-timer into the lower right corner of the goal.
 
The Retrievers struggled to create any quality scoring chances for the remainder of the match.
 
UMBC was outshot 11-5 (5-2 on goal) while the Bearcats had five corner kicks and did not permit any attempts from UMBC.
 
The Retrievers will return home next Sunday for a 1:00 p.m. America East Conference match against UMass Lowell. The first 300 fans will receive Dawgtoberfest scarves as a giveaway.