Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- First-year midfielder Monica Meza (San Diego, Calif.) scored 7:40 into overtime to give the University of New England Nor'easters a thrilling 2-1 victory over Endicott College in a The Commonwealth Coast Conference women's soccer game Saturday afternoon.

Positioned close to the goal line, Meza re-directed a shot from junior Cassie Zdrojeski (Massapequa Park, N.Y.) and watched the ball roll just out of the reach of Endicott sophomore keeper Elise Berry (Londonderry, N.H.). 

Meza's goal gave the Nor'easters their first victory over Endicott since Sept. 30, 1999 -- a period during which UNE went 0-10-1 versus the Gulls. Endicott has made six consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament and has won five of the last six conference championships.

Each team did its scoring in the first half. The Gulls established a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute when senior midfielder Caitlin Flynn (Southold, N.Y.) drove home an unassisted goal --her fifth tally of the season -- from just inside the 18. The Nor'easters responded six minutes later as senior midfielder Ali Trafton (Manchester, Maine) converted a pass from junior Kristin Meza (San Diego, Calif.) for her fourth goal of the season.

Neither team could find the back of the net in the second frame, forcing sudden-victory overtime.

The Nor'easters ended the afternoon with an advantage in shots (11-6) and corner kicks (4-0).

UNE senior Leigh Engel (Richmondville, N.Y.) made three saves to pick up the win. Berry finished with five for the Gulls.

Each team returns to action Tuesday. The Nor'easters (6-1, 3-1 TCCC) head to Newport, R.I. for a TCCC match at Salve Regina University. Endicott (5-4, 3-1 TCCC) hosts a 7 p.m. game under the lights versus Wentworth.