HENNIKER, Maine  –  Sophomores Santiago Duarte (Bogota, Columbia) and Logan Cassin (Penacook, N.H.) each scored a goal to lead the New England College Pilgrims to a 2-0 win over the University of Southern Maine Huskies in a non-conference men's soccer game Thursday night at  Don Melander Field.
            The win is the first in the five-game series between the two schools.  Heading into today's contest, the Huskies led NEC 4-0-0, but had last played the Pilgrims 36 seasons ago on October 5, 1985. USM won that meeting 3-0. 
            The loss is the first of the season for Southern Maine now 2-1-1.  New England College improves to 3-1 with the win.   
 
The Records:
Southern Maine (2-1-1)
New England College (3-1-0)
 
How It Happened:

• S. Duarte put the Pilgrims on the board late in the first half assisted by graduate student Panagiotis Galatas (Hilsboro, N.H.) and sophomore Julian Duarte (Bogota, Columbia) following a corner kick in the 32nd minute. 
• NEC struck early in the second half making it 2-0 on Cassan's goal as Galatas dished out his second assist of the game the 56^th minute.

Inside the Stats:

• NEC led USM 19-8 in shots and 9-2 in shots on goal. The Huskies did not record their first shot on goal until the 53^rd minute on a header from senior Zekariyah Shaib (Portland, Maine).  Shaib had both of USM's chances on target, putting one of frame in the 83^rd.

 
The Goalkeepers:

• Senior Hayes Estrella (Kennebunk, Maine/Thornton Academy) made a season-high seven saves, including five in the first half. He is now 2-1.
• NEC freshman Hayden Walker (Manchester, N.H.) made both saves to earn the shut out for the Pilgrims.

Up Next:
            Southern Maine travels locally to the University of New England on Saturday (1:00 pm) for a non-conference game.  New England College travels to Keene State on Wednesday (7:00 pm).