GORHAM, Maine  –  Senior Zekariya Shaib (Portland, Maine/Portland) settled a driven ball off of his chest and hit a volley for a game-winner to lead the University of Southern Huskies to a 1-0 win over the UMaine Farmington Beavers in a non-conference men's soccer game Wednesday night at Hannaford Field.
 
The Records:
UMaine Farmington (9-3-1)
Southern Maine (4-10-1)
 
Meeting for the 70^th time in series history, the Huskies are earning their first win over the Beavers since the 2017 season.  The Huskies lead the overall series 46-17-7.  The win snaps a eight-game winless streak for the Huskies.  The loss is the second in a row for UMF, and just its second road loss of the season (5-2).
 
How It Happened:

• Controlling possession and outshooting UMF, the Huskies were unable to separate themselves from UMF until late in regulation.  USM had a 10-5 lead in shots, but put just two on frame compared to four for the Beavers.
• The Huskies looked to nearly have the go-ahead goal in the 72^nd minute when junior midfielder Sean Brueninghaus (Superior, Wisconsin/Duluth) lashed a shot wide of UMF senior goalkeeper Josh Castonguay (East Waterboro, Maine/Massabesic) only to have the ball hit off of the far post.
• UMF junior Cade McHugh (Little Compton, R.I./Portsmouth) put a powerful long-distance attempt on frame in the 76^th but Husky senior goalkeeper Hayes Estrella (Kennebunk, Maine/Thornton Academy) read it well for one of his four saves in the contest.
• After a flurry of corner kicks from Southern Maine, the Huskies recycled the ball into the box for the goal.  Freshman Alan King (Scarborough, Maine) served the ball into the far-post side of the box finding Shaib. Shaib took the ball down with his chest and took a touch with his right foot before hitting a powerful shot for the game-winner in the 85^th minute.

 
The Goalkeepers:

•  Estrella made two saves in each half to earn the win and record the shutout.  It is his second shutout of the season.
• Castonguay made several key defensive reads in the game and made a save in the loss. 

 
Up Next:
            Southern Maine closes out its season on the road at Western Connecticut on Saturday (10:00 am). UMaine Farmington faces Thomas College on Saturday (1:30 pm) at Husson University in the quarterfinal of the North Atlantic Conference tournament.
 
 
Southern Maine Athletics has gone to fully digital game programs, please click this link to access the game programs to future Husky home events!