Olivia Hebert

Faircloth's penalty kick is the difference for UNE


Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Senior tri-captain Nicole Faircloth (Westfield, Mass.) converted a penalty kick in the 13th minute for the game's only goal, as the University of New England edged Husson University, 1-0, in college women's soccer action played under the lights at Barbara J. Hazard Field Wednesday (Sep. 5) evening.

The victory was the first of the season for the Nor'easters (1-2), who have now won their last 11 meetings with Husson, including an all-time mark of 7-0 at home. The Eagles dropped to 0-3 on the season.

The penalty kick came as a result of a Husson defender being whistled for taking down a UNE player in the box, setting up a sharp shot into the left side of the goal by Faircloth for her second tally of the season.

The visiting Eagles would press to tie the match with several quality scoring chances before the end of the first half, but were unable to get the ball into the net.

Neither team saw much in the way of scoring opportunities over the final 45 minutes. For the game, the Nor'easters held advantages in shots (18-8) and corner kicks (7-1).

UNE junior goalkeeper Gina Iannazzi (Methuen, Mass.) stopped seven shots to register her first career shutout, while Eagles' sophomore Jess Poulin (Albion, Maine) had six saves.

Both teams return to action Saturday (Sep. 8). The Nor'easters host UMass Boston at 2 p.m., and Husson takes on Plattsburgh State at the Union College Tournament (4 p.m.).