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.