HENNICKER, NH | AUGUSTA, ME
Fall sports got underway on this Labor Day weekend, as the UMPI Men's Soccer team kicked off their 2025 season in coach Alan Gordon's 35th season at the helm. The Owls offense ran dry in their opener on Saturday as New England College shutout UMPI. They'd make up for it on Sunday however, exploding for a decisive shutout victory of their own.
Saturday: 4-0 Pilgrims
It was tough sledding for UMPI in their opener, as the New England College Pilgrims struck early and often. Ezekiel Weir scored for the Pilgrims in the 11th minute, before turning around less than four minutes later with another goal to make it 2-0 at the start of the 15th minute. The Pilgrims added one more in the first half, taking a commanding 3-0 lead into the second 45. They'd tack on one more in the second half in the 63rd minute, and the game would fizzle from there, as NEC would finish the shutout, winning 4-0.
Top Performers:
UMPI put up their fair share of shots, 10 as a team, however they couldn't seem to put any on frame as they had zero shots on goal. Jovain Barrett led the charge with three shots, while Midfielders Isaac Doore and Billy Wray each had a pair of shots. First-year Goalkeeper Brett Senal played all 90 minutes in net, making six saves for the Owls.
Sunday: 10-0 Owls
At UMaine-Augusta on Sunday, the Owls attack certainly redeemed it's shutout from the day prior. UMPI got on the board in the very first minute as Billy Wray scored UMPI's first goal of this 2025 season. Sophomore Joel Cormier quickly followed with another goal around a minute later, making it 2-0 Owls right away. From there it was all gas no breaks, as UMPI scored four more times before the first half was over. They'd tack on four more goals in the second half as the Owls routed the Moose. All in all, UMPI put up 44 shots, 29 of which were on goal, making up for more than their missed opportunities the day before.
Top Performers:
It's hard to find a place to begin for the Owls on this day, but look no further than first-year midfielder Max Kennedy put up a hat trick for UMPI. His three goals led the offensive attack, and he converted on all three of his shots on goal. Billy Wray and Danny Argueta each had a pair of goals, while Isaac Doore, Ethan Cameron and Joel Cormier all had one. Wray led the charge in shots on goal with five. Keeper Brett Senal played the first half, while Logan Moser played the second half. Both Goalies had two saves each for UMPI.
Next Up:
The Owls will have a week of practices now before beginning their home schedule on Sunday September 7th when they host Fisher College at 2 p.m.
