PRESQUE ISLE, ME

Owls Men's Soccer came into this past weekend knocking on the door of relevance in the North Atlantic Conference, but had no wins or draws to show for it. Having lost in close battles with UMF and Lesley the weekend prior, Coach Gordon's squad was starving for a big weekend. And that's exactly what they got against the Vermont teams.

Saturday: 2-2 Draw

How it Happened:

Against VTSU-Johnson on Saturday, the Owls made an offensive statement in the first half, coming out with all sorts of pressure on the Badgers. This paid off nearly immediately when Joel Cormier cashed in to get UMPI in the board in the 5^th minute. But this lead would be short lived as Johnson tied it back up 10 minutes later at one goal apiece. The Owls seemed to dominate possession but were caught off guard to Johnson's counter-attack as this was a position UMPI hadn't been in often this year. Almost immediately after the Badgers tied it, UMPI scored again when Billy Wray scored his third goal of the year off a great assist from Joel Cormier. As the Owls led 2-1 at only 15 minutes into the game, Johnson silenced the large homecoming crowd once again, scoring to tie it at two in the 22^nd minute. Less than a quarter way through the crowd had already witnessed four goals, in a fast paced style of play.

Then things went into stalemate mode. Neither team would score over the next 68 minutes of play. As the game would end in a 2-2 draw. UMPI made seven shots and four on goal as a team, while VTSU Johnson ramped up the opportunities down the stretch making 18 shots while seven were on goal.

Top Performers:

Joel Cormier and Billy Wray were the goal scorers, each picking up their third of the year, While Cormier had the assist on Wray's goal. Isaac Doore and Jovain Barrett each had a pair of shots, Doore's were both on frame.

Sunday: 5-0 Owls

How it Happened:

On Sunday, the Owls were able to take another big step in the NAC standings as they picked up their first league win. The Owls dominated the Hornets right off the kickoff. Isaac Doore got the scoring started as he netted the Owls first goal in the 10^th minute for his second goal of the season.

In the 24^th minute, Star Boma capitalized, making it 2-0 UMPI. The Hornets were able to kee the Owls off the board the rest of the first half however, keeping it at that score going into the second frame.

Once there, Ethan Cameron entered the box score scoring back to back goals in the 52^nd and 54^th minutes, to seal it for UMPI making it 4-0.  They'd add one more in the 78^th minute when Andrew Morales scored his first career goal to make it 5-0.

Top Performers:

Ethan Cameron had the aforementioned pair of goals, while Boma, Morales and Doore added he three others. Midfielder Max Kennedy had a productive day, contributing two assists while Star Boma had the other assist for the Owls.

Next Up:

The Owls improve to 1-2-1 in conference play as they wrap up this homestand. They will take on the Husson Eagles on Saturday, October 4^th down in Bangor, Maine.