PRESQUE ISLE, ME
UMPI Men's Soccer went into their final matchup of the season with a chance to qualify for the playoffs if they won. Unfortunately, their opponent was Thomas College, the defending champions who were undefeated in NAC play, with their only blemish being a 3-3 draw with Husson earlier in the week.
How it Happened:
Thomas, efficient and lethal attack was on full display as UMPI tried packing everybody in their defensive half and focusing on fending them off early on. The Owls survived the first seven minutes, but Thomas scored in the 8th minute by getting deep in UMPI's zone. Thomas deflated the Owls barely two minutes later scoring to go up 2-0, and then again in the 13th minute to go up by a trio of goals. They simply went to work with precise passing and great finishing ability to take a choke hold on the game. Thomas scored again in the 25th minute to make it 4-0, and again on a PK goal in the 44th minute to go up 5-0 at halftime.
Thomas was quiet in the second half, making it 6-0 in the 77th minute which was the second half's only goal for either side. Thomas won the game in the first ten minutes when they broke through for three quick goals, and then rode that wave the rest of the way and into the playoffs as the NAC's top seed.
Top Performers:
UMPI had three shots as a team, with Isaac Doore earning the only one on frame. Brett Senal was sharp in goal for UMPI, making a season-high 15 saves as he faced an influx of Thomas shots, who put an astounding 35 shots up and 21 on target.
UMPI's season comes to an end as they graduate two seniors who were honored before the game. Jovain Barrett, who played the last two years for the Owls all over the field, and Hayden Bay who played as a defender all four years for UMPI as he wraps up a long and successful career. The Owls finish the year 4-10-1—an improvement on last year's campaign as they had a shot at the playoffs on the final day. UMPI return a large core next season and look to get over the hump and into the NAC playoffs for the first time.
