The University of New England handed USM their third loss as they completed their second consecutive shutout, winning 2-0 on Wednesday at Barbara J. Hazard Field in Biddeford.
Freshman Morgan Jensen and senior Kristin Meza both scored for UNE in the non-conference match.
Fifteen minutes into the game Jensen received a pass from senior Cassie Zdrojeski and was able to put it past USM junior goalie Kat Rothe (Leeds) to put the Nor’easters up 1-0. Despite being the only goal scored in the first half, the Nor’easters took control of the game leading in shots as well as corner kicks.
The Huskies started the second half strong but were unable to turn the momentum in their favor as Meza, a senior at UNE, scored in the 77th minute off a corner kick from Zdrojeski. The ball was served into the box and Meza lifted a shot that ricocheted off a USM defender into the net.
“We made adjustments in the second half that gave us the opportunity to win,” said USM Coach Lisa Petruccelli. “Progress is being made with each game.”
Despite their 1-3 start to the season, Petruccelli sees a lot of potential within her team.
“A couple of freshmen have really stood out but what has been great is the strength of the returners. They did the work in the offseason they needed to do,” she said.
USM looks to rebound from the UNE loss as they are back in action Saturday when they will travel to M.I.T. for a 4 p.m. start.