BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University women's soccer team used goals from senior Olivia Charles and junior Ella Hosford, along with a strong defensive performance, to earn a 2-0 shutout victory over Maine Maritime Academy in its North Atlantic Conference (NAC) regular season finale Wednesday evening at John P. Boucher Field.
With the victory, the Eagles improved to 8-4-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play, while the Mariners fell to 9-6-1 overall and 5-1-1 in NAC action.
Husson controlled possession and generated scoring opportunities throughout the opening half, outshooting Maine Maritime 8-1 over the first 45 minutes.
The Eagles nearly broke through in the ninth minute when junior Paige Dunn rattled a shot off the crossbar. Moments later, sophomore Thea Gerfen tested Mariners goalkeeper Mayako Brown, who turned away the attempt to keep the contest scoreless.
Husson continued to apply offensive pressure, with Charles forcing a save in the 18th minute before sophomore Jaquie Pangburn registered another shot on goal in the 29th minute.
The Eagles finally broke through in the 34th minute when Charles netted her team-leading ninth goal of the season at the 33:12 mark. Senior Rylee Speed provided the assist on the eventual game-winning goal, giving Husson a 1-0 advantage.
Maine Maritime's best opportunity of the opening half came in the 31st minute when Harlow O'Leary put a shot on target, but Husson sophomore goalkeeper Gabriella Smith made the save to preserve the lead.
Husson maintained its one-goal advantage heading into halftime after holding a commanding 8-1 edge in shots and a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The Eagles picked up where they left off to begin the second half, immediately putting pressure on the Mariners' defense. Gerfen forced a save in the 47th minute before fifth year Marila Corletto struck the crossbar in the 51st minute.
Husson continued its offensive surge when Speed sent another attempt off the crossbar in the 56th minute, leading to a corner kick.
The Eagles capitalized on the ensuing opportunity as Hosford found the back of the net at the 55:47 mark, finishing a feed from Dunn for her fourth goal of the season and extending Husson's advantage to 2-0.
With a two-goal cushion, Husson continued to control the pace of play, generating several additional scoring opportunities while limiting Maine Maritime's offensive chances.
Gerfen registered two more attempts in the 60th and 61st minutes, while Dunn sent a shot just high in the 68th minute.
The Mariners attempted to mount a late comeback, but Smith denied Megan Dorr's shot in the 79th minute to maintain the shutout.
Husson continued attacking down the stretch, with Pangburn forcing a save in the 78th minute before Charles tested the Mariners' goalkeeper again in the 86th minute.
The Eagles' defensive unit held firm over the final minutes to secure the 2-0 conference victory.
Husson finished with a commanding 21-3 advantage in shots, including a 9-2 edge in shots on goal, while also holding an 8-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Gerfen paced the Eagles with a game-high seven shots, including two on goal, while Charles added four shots and three on target to go along with her ninth goal of the season. Pangburn contributed three shots, including two on goal, while Dunn and Speed each recorded an assist.
Smith earned the shutout victory in goal for Husson, making two saves over 90 minutes of action, as the Eagles finished the conference season with just two goals allowed in seven games.
Husson enters the NAC playoffs as the second seed and will host a semifinal game on Tuesday against the winner of #3 Maine Maritime Academy and #6 University of Maine at Farmington with the time to be determined.
