Bangor, ME - Husson University men's soccer defeated Maine Maritime Academy in a North Atlantic Conference quarterfinal match at Boucher Field on Friday night. With the win, the Eagles improve to 11-7 on the season and advance to the NAC semifinals on Tuesday. The Mariners end their season at 8-8-1.

In a tough, physical game, Husson took the lead in the 12th minute as a driven ball deflected off an MMA defender for an own goal. The Mariners responded five minutes later with a Tom Samson (Waterville, ME) goal from a David Clough (Mount Vernon, ME) assist. The teams would remain tied for the rest of the half, with MMA holding the edge in shots, 10-6.

The Eagles mustered a strong response in the second half and dominated play, outshooting the Mariners 19-5 and finding the back of the net twice. Husson's second goal of the game was a blistering shot from Stephen Berenyi (Levant, ME), assisted by Matthew Milliard (Woodland, ME). Berenyi's goal, his fourth of the season, came in the 66th minute. Husson extended their lead and closed out the game as Andy Stevick (Rockport, ME) scored on a penalty kick in the 90th minute.

MMA goalkeeper Marshall Spear (Rockport, ME) made nine saves in the loss, and Husson's goalkeeper Brian Potter (Waterville, ME) made nine saves in the victory.

Husson head coach Jeff Gettler said of the match, "In the first eight minutes, the guys came out and started fantastically well. After that, the game became a battle, and, although we scored first, they countered and got a restart goal, and the rest of the half was just a physical encounter. We regrouped at halftime and felt we could impose our game on them. We grabbed momentum as the half went on, and I though we were fantastic in the last 20 minutes where we took over the game and got our goals. This was truly an outstanding playoff performance and victory, and I'm so proud of the team."

The Eagles will continue their season at New England College in a North Atlantic Conference semifinal match on Tuesday at 4:00 PM. For the full NAC men's soccer championship bracket, click here.