PRESQUE ISLE, ME
UMPI Men's Soccer has more than earned their keep these last two matches with very formidable opponents. Coming off a 2-0 loss against Thomas College – a game that was still tied with 20 minutes to go, the Owls built a two goal advantage vs. UMFK on Tuesday afternoon. Their first half lead dissipated, before two late goals doomed the Owls into another close defeat, but one that proves they can play with some of the best on their schedule.
How it Happened:
The Bengals played with their food a little bit in the first half, bringing their goalkeeper way out and stretching the field to preserve possession but never really went on the attack aggressively. This backfired when the Owls mounted a quick counter. Isaac Doore carried the ball deep down in the left flank, before hitting a beautiful cross. Joel Cormier was there to head it back against the grain into the upper left corner and beat the UMFK keeper to the spot. The Owls drew first blood and led 1-0 in the 17th minute.
Things remained largely the same after it, until Isaac Doore came through with the exclamation point in the closing minutes of the first half. Doore recognized UMFK's aggressiveness with bringing their keeper out to almost the center circle. Doore got a quick, but strong kick away from the Owls' defensive side of midfield that seemed to hang in the air forever. It bounced and then went in without a chance of it being saved. That put the Owls up 2-0.
Whatever switch UMFK flipped at halftime, it was evident in the opening minutes of half number two. The Bengals were all of sudden way more aggressive on offense, putting the pedal to the metal. This resulted in two goals in the first ten minutes. Once in the 52nd and once in the 55th minute to tie it. All of a sudden, momentum was wearing black and green and the Owls had to fight to preserve the draw.
One very close call almost put UMPI up late when Isaac Doore missed a shot less than a foot off the outside right post. This was the only shot of the half for the Owls. UMFK broke through and took the lead in the 86th minute, before scoring again in the 87th to put the game on ice.
Top Performers:
Isaac Doore was the Owls top performer, scoring a goal from 70 yards out, and adding an assist on the first one. He had two shots on the day. Joel Cormier had the goal off Doore's assist, his only shot on the day. Edmundo Cuervo Alanis had another shot on goal for UMPI for their team total of three. Brett Senal made six saves in net for UMPI, and was especially busy in the second half.
Next Up:
UMPI drops to 2-7-1 on the season and will re-gear for NAC play. The Owls will host Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday, which will also serve as UMPI's senior day. Kick-off is slated for 12pm.
