11/8/08
Women's soccer slips in NAC final
BANGOR -- Husson University captured its third straight North Atlantic Conference women's soccer title today as the Eagles downed the University of Maine at Farmington 2-1 at John P. Boucher Field.
Amber Murphy (Manchester, NH) scored the lone goal for the Beavers, who finished their season at 9-8. Julie Walters (Wells, ME), Katie Schwarz (Scarborough, ME) and Amanda Byrne (Winslow, ME) were honored on the NAC All-Tournament Team. The Eagles (15-4) receive the NAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The field is scheduled to be announced on Monday.
After a scoreless first half in which the Beavers bent (10 shots to three), but did not break, Shelby Bradford (Lee, ME) gave Husson the lead and then breathing room in the opening six minutes of the second half. Bradford beat Farmington netminder Mckell Barnes (Durham, ME) to the right corner of the net after a throw-in was bobbled around in the box 41 seconds after intermission. Bradford punched in service by Samantha Homer (Charlton, MA) at 50:52 to push the advantage to 2-0.
The Beavers weathered more Husson attack (11-4 Eagle advantage in second frame) with three post shots for the hosts before Murphy trimmed the deficit at 87:58 to make the waning moments interesting. Walters started the play and her initial bid got away from Husson keeper Tatyana Wolterbeek (Wells, ME). Murphy drove the loose ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.The Eagles controlled the final two minutes to seal the win.
Barnes finished with nine saves for the Beavers, who were outshot 21-7 with Husson holding a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
Wolterbeek recorded three saves in the victory.
