PRESQUE ISLE, ME
The UMPI Men's Soccer Team took the field for the second straight day coming off a 3-0 loss to UMF in which the Owls did play deceivingly well throughout the game. They hoped that momentum would take them to their first league win of the season as Lesley University came in fresh off a 7-0 loss to Husson a day prior. Unfortunately, it would be a first-half PK that spelled the difference in the match as the Lynx capitalized on the opportunity, while staving off the UMPI chances and winning the game 1-0.
How it Happened:
The game started off as expected: a physical one. Teams traded plays and possession time leveled off to around 50/50 through the whole first half. The Owls survived multiple corner kicks from Lesley who applied a lot of pressure all game long. In the 38th minute, some back-and-forth melee in the box ultimately resulted in a foul call to go against UMPI and a penalty kick was awarded to Lesley. Aiden Stafford struck it well and was just a touch behind the outstretched dive of Brett Senal. The Lynx jumped out on top 1-0.
The Owls did not count themselves out however, playing from behind into the second half. In the 60th minute, some more melee, resulted in a red card against Lesley, putting them at a man disadvantage for the rest of the game. The disadvantage was clear right away, as UMPI had way more possession time, but still couldn't seem to get any good looks. Lesley did not shy away from pressure despite the eternal UMPI power-play and kept the ball on the Owls half for a while which helped kill some time.
UMPI eventually did break through with a couple golden chances with their striker Star Boma. But Lesley's goalkeeper Aiden Hendricks stood tall and stopped a couple of big shots to preserve their lead.
In the end Lesley did just enough to survive as the Owls couldn't capitalize on the 11-on-10. The Lynx clawed their way to the 1-0 victory as they ultimately outlasted UMPI.
Top Performers:
The Lynx outshot UMPI 12-4 on the day and put eight shots in on net. Brett Senal made five saves, as the Owls made a couple big team saves to stop some of the other shots on frame. Senal had a near-perfect day if it weren't for the penalty kick that he quite nearly saved. Star Boma stepped up on the offensive third for the Owls, who were down a couple of key players which forced some positioning changes. Boma had three shots, all of them on goal, but Lesley's keeper was ready for all of them. Andrew Morales also had a shot on goal, which was the only other shot UMPI had.
Next Up:
UMPI will regroup this week before hosting two more NAC games on homecoming weekend. They bring in the Vermont schools with VTSU-Johnson on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and VTSU-Lyndon on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
