Statistics

LEWISTON, Maine -- Two goals from Nate Merchant with under three minutes remaining in regulation lifted Bates College past the University of New England, 3-1, in a men's soccer match Wednesday night (Sep. 13) at Garcelon Field.

Merchant factored in all three scores for the Bobcats (2-0), assisting on the equalizer by Ben Lyons in the 31st minute before potting the go-ahead marker in the 88th and sealing the deal in the 89th.

The Nor'easters (1-4) struck first in the 31st minute -- a mere 28 seconds before Bates would answer -- as Callum Heaslewood found the top-left corner on a free kick from 25 yards out.

The hosts, who led 23-12 in shot attempts, needed four stops by Robbie Montanaro for the win. His counterpart, UNE's Nathan Delesdernier, registered two saves.

The Nor'easters return home and are set to open up Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) action on Saturday (2:30 p.m.) against Western New England University.