The USM men’s soccer team ended their season on a rough note, literally, losing to rival Keene State, 2-1 Saturday.
In a physical game marked by USM’s bad luck and missed opportunities, the Huskies watched their season end thanks to an own-goal and a miscommunication.
With the game tied late and both team’s future in the balance, Keene State put the ball back in play with a throw-in. Innocent enough. But when Husky senior defender Steve May (Brunswick) left the ball for goalkeeper David Kreps to collect, a Keene State player swooped in and delivered the decisive goal, ending the Huskies’ season and capping off an aggressive game.
Keene State got the scoring started when, short-handed thanks to an early red card, senior Scott Cluff’s shot deflected off a Husky defender and into the net in the 31st minute of the contest.
Twenty five minutes later, USM senior Peter McHugh (Scarborough) did what he’s done his whole career. He found the net. Junior Nick Johnson (South Portland) was credited with the assist.
The team’s remained tied until the May-Kreps mishap with four minutes remaining.
The Owls never looked back, and the Huskies never regained their composure, evidenced by junior midfielder Adam Gadbois’ (Brunswick) two yellow cards.
“It was a very emotional game. It always is with Keene [State],” Keller said after the game.
The Huskies had many opportunities, including the failed free kicks, to take a commanding lead and not let it come down to the end. Despite the end of the game mistakes, Keller knew the real mistakes came in not finishing earlier in the game.
“It’s not [May’s] fault we lost. We should have scored more goals.”
The USM Huskies finish their season with a 7-9-2 record overall and a 2-4-1 mark in the LEC.