Mariners hang on to win 1-0

Poultney, VT - Ben Russell's (Farmington, ME) goal in the 15th proved to be the game-winning tally in a 1-0 victory over Green Mountain College in a critical north Atlantic Conference men's soccer fixture Sunday afternoon. The Mariners are currently 6-5-1 (2-2, NAC) while the Eagles fall to 0-10-1 (0-5, NAC).

Maritime was first to settle into the match after a hectic opening and, after a neat build-up down the left flank, Somma slid past his GMC defender to tuck home a low service for the game's only goal.

The Eagles responded well, create the best chances in the opening 45 minutes. Freshman Jeff Cyrus (Burnt hills, NY) slipped past the Mariner's on 2 occasions, but was unable to find the frame and a goal-mouth scramble was scuttled away from danger to send the visitors into the interval with a 1 goal advantage.

GMC increased their pressure in the final 45 minutes, cleverly moving the ball and finding several quality opportunities. Freshman Chris Gaskin (Atlanta, GA) came close on a pair of strikes from the left side, forcing Mariner goalkeeper Jeff Butland (Cumberland, ME) into several sprawling saves.

Maine Maritime had a golden opportunity to salt the game away, but GMC freshman net-minder Nate Kishbaugh (Niskayuna, NY) turned away a ferocious drive from 12 yards to keep the scorline manageable.

In the dying moments, Gaskin latched onto a service from senior Josh Harahan (Bristol, NH), but his diving header went begging wide of the back post. Freshman Ryan Laymon (Ilion, NY) also had a chance to level the game when Cyrus found him in running through the Mariner defensive corps, but couldn't find the crucial touch.

Both sides recorded 9 shots while Maritime held a slight 6-5 edge in corners.