Win Over UNH Sends UMaine Women’s Soccer To Playoffs
The University of Maine women’s soccer team fought in the last regular season game to get a 2-1 win over New Hampshire in a classic border battle in a Thursday night lights game on Oct. 30 at the New Balance Soccer Complex. This win sends the Black Bears to fourth place, earning a home advantage in the America East Championship quarterfinal on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. against the Wildcats once again. Maine finishes the season at a record of 4-7-3 overall and 3-3-2 in conference.
Prior to the Buffalo Wild Wings Border Battle, a ceremony was held to honor soccer legend Abby Kraemer’s jersey retirement. The team wore #12 warm up shirts and her jersey was unveiled under the scoreboard in recognition of all she accomplished for the program.
Going into the match, Maine knew that this was a must-win game in order to contest in the America East playoffs, which added to the drama of this rivalry matchup. Almost every UMaine athletic team came to support, with a copy of the ‘Naked Five’ from the softball team (the covered 5), which added to the atmosphere and encouraged the Bears to play even harder.
Once the whistle blew at 7 p.m., you could already feel the tension between the two teams through the passion being shown from each player. The Black Bears showed how badly they wanted the three points early on from winning 50/50 balls and shutting down their offense. 34 minutes into the game, Maine took the lead after an own goal from a UNH defender who attempted to clear the ball from first-year forward Britta Deny’s cross on the right side, but landed it in the back of their net. The Black Bears took the lead going into the second half.
During the first ten minutes of the second half, the Wildcats came out desperately wanting a goal and were all over Maine’s half. As the play continued, Maine found their groove and calmed the play down, securing possession for most of the half. 64 minutes in, fourth-year forward and captain Julie Lossius struck the ball outside the center of the 18-yard box and rattled the crossbar. Third-year midfielder Luise Reinwald followed up the rebound and easily placed the ball in the net within the 6-yard box for her first goal of the season.
It seemed the Blackbears could get away with a clean sheet until fourth-year forward Abbi Maier dribbled past two of Maine’s defenders in the box, but was fouled from behind and got a penalty which she executed in the 74th minute. The next 16 minutes kept everyone on their feet as it was back and forth, but Maine was able to secure a win and a spot in the playoffs.
