Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Despite out-shooting Maine Maritime Academy by a 20-3 margin, the University of New England men's soccer team had to settle for a 0-0 tie in a mutual season-opener Friday night (Sept. 2) at Barbara J. Hazard Field.

The Nor'easters narrowly missed tallying the game-winner on numerous occasions during the course of the match. In the closing 10 minutes of the first half, both Ryan Stephens and Dexter Doucet hit the crossbar. Stephens' near-conversion came on a free kick, and Doucet rattled a rocket from 18 yards away off the top of the frame. UNE would hold a commanding 13-1 advantage in shots over the opening 45 minutes.

The second half was much more evenly contested, but the Nor'easters still had the larger portion of quality scoring opportunities. The crossbar would once again deny a UNE shot when Erik Holmqvist drilled it from 25 yards away with 15 minutes remaining in regulation. Dan Good appeared to get the Nor'easters on the scoreboard in the 76th minute, but what would have been the margin for victory was called back when UNE was whistled for offsides.

Scoring chances were few and far between in the two overtime periods. UNE rookie Callum Heaslewood had a shot carom off the right post halfway through the first extra session -- the fourth Nor'easter shot of the match that found the goal frame.

Goalkeepers Elijah Leverett and Kyle Townsend were each credited with a shutout. Leverett needed only one stop for UNE, while Townsend had six for the visitors.

Both teams have just one day of rest before taking to the pitch Sunday. The Nor'easters make the short trip to Standish to take on St. Joseph's College (noon start), and Maine Maritime hosts the University of Maine Fort Kent at 3 p.m.