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It was another thriller this Saturday afternoon when the University of Maine Men’s Soccer team battled against the Manhattan Jaspers at Alumni Field. In a game that featured a feverish pace, Maine snatched a key win to push their overall record to 3-2-0. The 1-0 victory matched the most wins the team has achieved in all of the past three seasons. More importantly, the win increased Maine’s momentum as they headed into a Wednesday grudge match against big-time rival University of New Hampshire. Coming off the heels of a double overtime victory in last Sunday’s consolation game of the St. Bonaventure Invitational against St. Bonaventure, Maine has put together back to back wins at a time when most teams are adjusting to the rigors of the new season. In last Sunday’s game, junior midfielder Luke Rivard notched the game winner. The goal came off a corner kick from sophomore Adam Chenault who put the ball right on Rivard, who blasted a close range shot on net. Bonnie defender Ryan Mahoney was able to stop the shot but was fortunately behind the goal line allowing the Black Bears to post a 2-1 win and head back to Orono with not only a third place finish in the tournament but also having two players named to the St. Bonaventure Adidas Classic All-Tournament Team. Rivard and sophomore Ben Wilcox were named to the this year’s team.
With the thrilling win behind them, Maine came into this Sunday’s game with a tremendous amount of energy and exuberance that was evident with the first blow of the whistle. Maine quickly jumped out to a 1-0 lead, after junior Kevin Fogget received a beautiful pass from talented freshman Gabriel Germano in the first two minutes of the game. The pass allowed Fogget to break in alone on Jasper goaltender Collin Leaver and rocket a shot into the left side of the net. Fogget would later say Maine came into the game with the objective of jumping out to a quick lead and pouncing on Manhattan early.
“We wanted to come out in the first 10, 15 minutes and attack and get an early advantage,” Fogget said.
Maine did not let up for the next fifteen minutes, sending an onslaught of shots on net. Head Coach Travers Evan believed his team could have jumped out to a two-three goal lead but unfortunately couldn’t capitalize on all the chances provided to them. In the first half alone Maine fired an overwhelming 11 shots on Leaver, who would total 10 saves throughout the entire game.
An intense battle ensued during the second half when a new Manhattan team emerged. With both teams playing physical ball, Maine’s Luke Rivard was charged with the first yellow card of the game 46 minutes in. The intensity continued as Manhattan kept pushing for the equalizer. They did just about anything but cross the goal line. The Jaspers best chances came in the last 10 minutes of the game when they missed on three key opportunities. With six minutes left, Manhattan forward Tom Maguire watched as his kick sailed just wide right. Another missed chance for the Jaspers occurred as they watched a header by Tommy Lenhardt fly just clear of the goal. Although Manhattan’s best chance of the game didn’t come until the two minute mark when a shot inside the 18 yard line smacked the right post, bouncing easily into the hands of Maine goalie Chad Monegon. Maine managed to keep the ball down the other side for the last two minutes and squeaked out a nerve-wracking win. Monegon moved to 3-0-0 with the win, posting his first shutout of the season.
After the game it was clear that Maine was reaping the benefits of their hard work over the off season. During the summer, 16 of the team’s players stayed in Orono to keep in the best physical shape and build off the success they had towards the end of the 2002 season. Head Coach Travers believes that all the hard work put in during the summer months will pave a very promising path come this autumn.
“The players have invested a lot in this team and it has resulted in excellent team atmosphere. They have created a great base and have a great mentality when it comes to the team.”
Travers also believes a big factor in their success is that they will win and lose as a team and not relay on one star player. The Black Bears return to action Wednesday, Sept. 17 when they host the University of New Hampshire in the first America East Conference game of the season at Alumni Field at 3 p.m.
