Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England men's soccer team registered a 2-1 non-conference victory over Maine Maritime Academy in the season-opener for both squads on Friday evening (Aug. 29) at Barbara J. Hazard Field.

The two sides have met each of the last three years to start the season -- the Nor'easters (1-0) now have a 2-0-1 advantage over the Mariners (0-1) in the those contests.

UNE sophomore Ryan Stephens began the scoring in the 15th minute, blasting a shot off the goalie's legs and into the left corner of the net. Graduate student Matthew Christie set up Stephens' one-timer over on the right side with a cross through the box.

Maine Maritime nearly equaled the match in the 28th minute, as a flick-header directed at the upper left corner from junior Kyle Haslam was denied with a diving stab by UNE senior netminder Aidan McParland.

Big Blue doubled the margin in the 71st minute, when senior Sean Goodrich slotted a free kick from just outside the box through a crowd in front and into the right side netting.

The Mariners got one back in the 87th minute on a penalty kick conversion by senior Gabriel Warren, but, despite upping the pressure in the final moments, could not find another goal before time expired.

McParland logged seven saves for the Nor'easters, who were out-shot 15-9. On the opposite end, first-year Marshall Spear made three stops for MMA.

Both teams return to action on Wednesday. UNE heads to Bates College for an 8 p.m. date under the lights, while Maine Maritime visits Colby College earlier in the afternoon (4:30 p.m.).