GORHAM, Maine – Despite putting several quality chances on frame the University of Southern Maine Huskies had to settle for a 0-0 draw against the Eastern Connecticut State University Warriors in a Little East Conference men's soccer game Saturday afternoon at Hannaford Field.
Playing a strong game defensively and controlling the 18, senior
Gabe Wagner (Freeport, Maine) earned the shutout making the one save needed late in the contest to keep the game even. Senior
Cole Johnson (Orange, Mass./Ralph C. Mahar) looked to have the late-game winner with a bicycle volley on a service from junior
Martin Kelly (Portland, Maine), but his bid was one-second too late as time expired
The Records:
Eastern Connecticut (6-5-2, 2-4-1 LEC
Southern Maine (5-5-7, 2-2-3 LEC)
Tonight's game marked the 44th meeting between the University of Southern Maine and Eastern Connecticut State University. The Warriors lead the overall series 32-6-6. Southern Maine earned a 1-1 draw at home against Eastern Connecticut in 2024 and the same result in 2025 in Connecticut. The 2024 tie snapped a 15-game losing streak to the Warriors.
How It Happened:
- Johnson had an early quality look towards the goal but his header glanced just wide of the far post in the ninth minute. Eastern's Brad Balgach had a great look at goal driving into open space in the area, but his bid went wide left in the 12th.
- With seconds remaining in the first half, Husky freshman Christian Vega Garcia (Waltham, Mass.) hit one on frame from just outside of the 18 forcing Eastern's Jack Harmon to come up big with a save pushing the ball over the top of the goal.
- Southern Maine outshot the Warriors 10-6 in the second half and had a 5-1 advantage in corners, but could not put one away and had to take the draw.
The Goalkeepers:
EC: Jack Harmon (5-4-1), 90:00, 0 GA, 4 Saves
SM:
Gabe Wagner (4-4-5), 90:00, 0 GA, 1 Saves
Inside The Stats:
- Southern Maine led in shots 16-11 and had a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
- The Huskies have had six scoreless draws this season, and the last two games in a row. Southern Maine is 1-4-2 at home this season.
- Wagner has six shutouts this season, and has a 1.04 goals against average in 1215 minutes.
Up Next:
The Huskies return to Little East Conference play at home on Saturday, October 24 (1:00 pm) against Eastern Connecticut State University. The Huskies will celebrate Senior Day prior to the start of the Eastern Connecticut game. Southern Maine then hosts Plymouth State in LEC action on Wednesday, October 28 (7:00 pm) to close out the regular season.
-cac-
