LEWISTON, Maine - Husson University men's soccer team scored twice in less than three minutes to take a first-half lead before Bates College rallied for a 5-2 non-conference victory Tuesday at Russell Street Track and Field.
Husson (0-3-1) generated an early opportunity when sophomore Lucas Alabiso put a shot on target in the fourth minute, forcing Bates goalkeeper George Nassar into a save. The Bobcats (2-1-1) opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Alex Hensch found the back of the net off assists from Andrew Jean Baptiste and Finn Coburn.
The Eagles answered in the 20th minute as sophomore Miguel Diaz Alvarez scored his first goal of the season finishing off an assist from senior Alejandro Castellanos to tie the match at 1-1.
Just 2:49 later, sophomore Chadi Hamadi gave Husson the lead, finishing off assists from Diaz Alvarez and freshman Santiago Jimenez. The goal was his first of the season and put the Eagles ahead 2-1.
Junior Jamie Barr helped preserve the advantage with several diving saves before Marc Chedid scored in the 35th minute to bring Bates even.
The Eagles threatened again in the closing seconds of the half when sophomore Cesar Soucre forced Nassar into another save, but the teams headed into the break tied 2-2. Barr recorded eight saves over the opening 45 minutes, while Husson put four of its five shots on target.
Bates regained the lead early in the second half when Coburn scored off an assist from Hewitt Stevenson. Bora Ceranoglu followed in the 56th minute, finishing off an assist from Danny Burke to extend the Bobcats' advantage to 4-2.
Jimenez put an attempt on frame in the 68th minute as the Eagles looked to cut into the deficit, forcing Bates goalkeeper Isaac Kolaczkowski into his first save since entering at halftime.
Mesa converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute for the final goal of the contest, bringing the score to 5-2.
Barr finished with nine saves over 90 minutes for Husson. Diaz Alvarez contributed a goal and an assist while leading the Eagles with two shots. Hamadi, Alabiso, Soucre and Jimenez each put their lone attempt on target.
Husson will look to bounce back in its next contest when it opens North Atlantic Conference play at Lesley University on Saturday at 6 p.m.
