BANGOR, Maine — Sophomore Jaquie Pangburn scored with just 25 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Husson University women's soccer team to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wheaton College on Saturday afternoon at John P. Boucher Field.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, the Eagles (2-1) broke through in the 70th minute. Junior Hailey Tarbox netted her first goal of the season at the 69:14 mark off an assist from senior Rylee Speed, giving Husson a 1-0 advantage.
The Lyons (2-1-1) answered less than nine minutes later when Camila Leiva converted a penalty kick in the 78th minute to even the contest at 1-1.
With a draw looming, Husson produced the deciding goal in the closing seconds. Sophomore Thea Gerfen played a cross from the left side of the 18-yard box that found the foot of senior Olivia Charles. Charles got just enough of a touch on the ball to find Pangburn, who found the back of the net at 89:35 for her first goal of the season and the game-winner.
The Eagles had the first scoring opportunity of the afternoon when Pangburn sent a shot wide in the seventh minute, but chances were limited for both sides throughout the opening half. Husson and Wheaton combined for just two shots over the first 45 minutes as the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Wheaton opened the second half with increased pressure, forcing sophomore goalkeeper Gabriella Smith into a save in the 50th minute before sending another attempt high moments later. Husson responded as the half progressed, eventually earning a corner kick in the 69th minute that led to Tarbox's opening goal.
Speed nearly doubled the Eagles' advantage just over two minutes later, putting a shot on goal that Wheaton goalkeeper Olivia King turned away. After Leiva's penalty kick tied the match, Husson's defense held the Lyons without a shot on goal over the final 12 minutes, setting the stage for Pangburn's late winner.
Wheaton finished with an 8-6 advantage in shots, while Husson held a 3-2 edge in shots on goal. Both teams earned two corner kicks. Smith played all 90 minutes in goal for the Eagles, making one save and allowing one goal to earn the victory.
Tarbox and Pangburn accounted for Husson's two goals, while Speed, Charles and Gerfen each recorded an assist. Pangburn finished with a team-high two shots, while senior Emma Nicholson also recorded two attempts.
The Eagles have a quick turnaround, as they head to No. 24 Colby College for a 3 p.m. contest tomorrow afternoon.
