PRESQUE ISLE, ME
The UMPI Men's Soccer team limped into their midweek non-conference matchup with the University of Maine at Augusta. The Owls had several key starters inactive due to the injury bug but still hoped to go for the 2026 sweep of the Moose. It was not to be, as the Owls and Moose appeared to be as evenly matched as could possibly be, until a late goal doomed UMPI.
How it Happened:
Both teams put up exactly 13 shots, and both had five on target throughout the game. The first half was more in favor of the Owls with UMPI putting up eight and UMA five, while the second half ended up being exactly the inverse. Each team had seven corner kicks on the afternoon, each pick up two cautions, and the fouls were slightly skewed with UMA getting booked for eight and UMPI for five.
Regardless of what the box score says, the only difference in the game came with just over seven minutes to play. UMA's Robin Malherbe broke away and put up a shot that was saved initially by the Owls keeper, Christo Veselinovic. But the rebound bounced right back to him, and Veselinovic having just made a great save, couldn't get back into position to make another one as Malherbe finished it to break the scoreless tie.
The Owls were close in the final minutes of the game to equalizing it, but could not do so, giving the Moose the victory.
Top Performers:
Isaac Doore continued to be the heart and soul of the offense for the Owls as he put up six of UMPI's 13 shots. Two of Doore's were on target. Jovain Barrett, Andrew Morales and Logan Moser each had a shot on goal as well. In net, Christo Veselinovic made four great saves, but the shutout was not in the cards, surrendering the one goal in the 83rd minute.
Next Up:
UMPI drops to 2-10-1 and have two games remaining on the 2026 schedule. They'll host the Eagles of Husson University this Saturday at noon in the final home game of the year, before going to Farmington next Wednesday to wrap up the regular season. The Owls still have hope to make the playoffs but will need to win at least one of their final two contests to stay in contention.
