BANGOR, ME – Husson University (1-2) defeated Saint Joseph's College (3-2) by a 2-1 margin in a non-conference men's soccer contest on Sunday afternoon. Paul Robins '11 (Cornwall, England) netted the lone SJC marker on a PK attempt late in the second half.
The in-state rivals were evenly-matched in the first stanza, aside from the 2-0 advantage attained by the hosts. Both teams registered six shots and only one corner kick, awarded to the Monks, was taken in the opening half. The second period was dominated by the Royal Blue, but the Robins tally was the only offense the Monks could muster. St. Joe's held a commanding 22-3 advantage in shots, with several kicks finding the goal frame, and also registered an 8-2 lead in corner kicks in the second half.
Husson, the 2009 North Atlantic Conference champions, secured an early lead with a 17th-minute goal from Alex Martin '12 (Van Buren, ME) with Tyler Metevier '12 (Kittery, ME) and Edwin Acosta '12 (Teguagalpa, Honduras) notching assists on the play. Greg Dawson '12 (St. Andrews, Scotland) scored in the 43rd minute off a Brian Loiselle '14 (Bangor, ME) dish to make it a 2-0 game heading into intermission.
Despite the onslaught of opportunities in the latter stanza, the Monks were nearly blanked as Robins' penalty kick score didn't occur until 4:28 remained in the contest. His kick was nearly denied, as the bid was tipped by Husson netminder Mason Smith '13 (Houma, LA) before the ball found the back of the net.
The Monks had plenty of scoring chances in the second half, but luck was not on their side on this day. Seven minutes after halftime commenced, Tim Davison '12 (Danvers, MA) lobbed a corner to Teddy Palmer '14 (Scarborough, ME) that was blocked by a Husson defender on the goal line. A Jack LaFreniere '13 (Alton, NH) kick in the 62nd minute found post, while a bid by Greg Jentgen '14 (Columbus, OH) clanged off the crossbar with 18:44 remaining.
Smith made 11 saves in net for the Eagles, while SJC keeper Nick Campasano '12 (Goffstown, NH) recorded five stops in the losing effort.
St. Joe's will play at Southern Maine on Wednesday at 4:00 PM, while Husson will host Bowdoin on Tuesday at 7:30 PM.