FORT KENT, Maine — Freshman Avery Danis scored in the closing minutes as the Husson University women's soccer team pushed to overcome a two-goal deficit before falling 2-1 to the University of Maine at Fort Kent in non-conference action Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles (7-5-2) generated opportunities throughout the contest, finishing with advantages in shots, shots on goal and corner kicks against the Bengals (13-4-2).
Husson threatened immediately, with sophomore Jaquie Pangburn putting an attempt on target just 34 seconds into the match. Sophomore Thea Gerfen followed with a shot that forced UMFK goalkeeper Dreanna Thaw into a save in the third minute.
The Bengals opened the scoring at 12:29 when Breanna Marr found the back of the net to give UMFK a 1-0 advantage.
The Eagles continued to search for an equalizer, with Gerfen testing Thaw again in the 24th minute before Marila Corletto put an attempt on frame in the 32nd minute. Husson earned four corner kicks over the final nine minutes of the half but entered the break trailing 1-0.
Pangburn forced another save early in the second half following a Husson corner kick, while senior Olivia Charles sent an attempt wide in the 50th minute.
The Eagles increased their pressure midway through the half. Freshman Ainsley Migneault put a shot on target at 68:59, and freshman Jordyn Lloyd followed with another attempt that Thaw stopped just over a minute later. Migneault tested the Bengals' goalkeeper again in the 74th minute, but Husson remained a goal behind.
Sophomore Gabriella Smith denied Shylah Francis at 78:46 before Francis scored off an assist from Madi Martin just 27 seconds later to extend UMFK's lead to 2-0.
Husson continued to press, with Pangburn sending an attempt wide in the 80th minute before Danis broke through at 86:35. Her goal cut the deficit to 2-1 with 3:25 remaining, but the Bengals held on for the victory.
Pangburn led the Eagles with four shots, including two on goal. Gerfen recorded three attempts with two on target, while Migneault put both of her shots on frame. Corletto, Lloyd and Danis each recorded one shot on goal.
Smith finished with one save over 90 minutes. Husson held a 13-8 advantage in shots, a 9-3 edge in shots on goal and a 9-4 margin in corner kicks.
Husson will return to North Atlantic Conference play Wednesday when it faces Maine Maritime Academy at 7:30 p.m.
