GORHAM, Maine – Grace Aukerman knocked in a loose ball in the box in the 42
nd minute for the eventual game-winner as the Rhode Island College Anchormen defeated the University of Southern Maine Huskies 2-1 in a Little East Conference women's soccer game Saturday afternoon at Hannaford Field.
The loss is the first conference home loss for the Huskies since October 30, 2021 – a 3-0 defeat to then No. 24 WestConn in the regular season. RIC remains undefeated in the Little East at 3-0.
The Records:
Rhode Island College (5-2, 2-0 LEC)
Southern Maine (4-4, 1-0 LEC)
Today's game marked the 31st meeting between the Rhode Island College Anchormen and the University of Southern Maine Huskies. The Huskies lead the overall series 17-12-2. Southern Maine had shutout Rhode Island College in its last three games for a combined score of 7-0.
How It Happened:
- Southern Maine dominated the first half controlling possession and outshooting RIC 11-6, but the Anchormen broke through in the 32nd minute to take a 1-0 lead. Amber Almedia broke down the right side of the field and was able to push her fourth goal of the season past Husky goalkeeper Madi Cook.
- RIC took a 2-0 lead just before halftime as Aukerman scored her first goal of 2025 being in the right place and the right time and cleaning up a loose ball just in front of the net.
- USM started the second half on the front foot and challenged for a goal early launching three shots on target but RIC goalkeeper Oceanna Orlandi came up with each save when asked.
- Southern Maine cut its deficit to one goal on a set piece score. After a foul just outside box, sophomore Meghan Przybilla (St. Anthony, Minn.) hit a outstanding strike to the upper corner of the near post for her fifth goal of the season.
- USM had several good chances in the final 20 minutes. Przybilla had a near-goal cleared off the line by one of the RIC backs in the 78th minute, and sophomore Ani Roberts (Bangor, Maine) put one in a tough spot in the 85th but Orlandi skyed for the save.
The Goalkeepers:
RIC: Oceanna Orlandi (5-2), 1 GA, 8 Saves; Team Save
SM:
Madi Cook (1-1) 90:00, 2 GA, 4 Saves
Inside The Stats:
- Southern Maine outshot RIC 26-9 but just 10-6 on frame. USM also had a slim margin in corner kicks, 5-4.
Up Next:
Southern Maine hits the road to take on Endicott in non-conference action on Tuesday, September 30 (4:00 pm). The Huskies remain on the road for Saturday, October 4 (1:00 pm) in LEC action at Keene State before returning home on Sunday, October 5 (1:00 pm) hosting nationally-ranked Williams College.
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