CASTINE, Maine – The Husson University men's soccer team began its North Atlantic Conference title defense on Tuesday evening with a 1-0 road victory over Maine Maritime Academy.

The Eagles (5-2-3, 1-0 NAC) and the Mariners (4-4-1, 1-1 NAC) played an even 30 minutes to start the game, which included both teams having quality chances to score, but neither were able to convert.

Husson was able to strike first thanks to graduate student Alexander Bryant. Sophomore Miguel Morales had a shot opportunity blocked out of bounds by Maine Maritime in the 31st minute. Morales took the ensuing corner kick and played a high, in-swinging ball towards the penalty spot where Bryant was able to outjump a Mariner's defender and head the ball off of the right post and into the back of the net to secure a 1-0 lead for the Eagles.

Husson carried the 1-0 lead into and out of the halftime break and was able to hold off a ferocious Maine Maritime attack for the remaining 45 minutes to secure a win in its conference opener for a third-consecutive season.

Junior Alex Rechsteiner was in net for the full 90 minutes for the Eagles and was forced to make two saves on two shots while also earning his second-straight shutout. 

This victory concludes a five-game road trip for the men's soccer team, as it will now begin a five-game home stand, which begins on Saturday when Vermont State University Lyndon makes the trip to Boucher Field. Kick-off for the Eagle's conference home opener is set for 3:30 p.m.