The USM men’s lacrosse team hosted their conference rivals Plymouth State on a cold and misty day on Wednesday in Gorham, and the Huskies did not disappoint as they scored five unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to defeat the Panthers 9-8.
USM freshman Dylan Bousquet-Smith (Bowdoinham) scored with 17.1 seconds remaining in the game to highlight an eventful fourth quarter and secure a crucial conference win for the Huskies.
The teams were knotted up at one apiece after the first period, however it didn’t take long for Plymouth State to get back on the board as they scored five more goals, going in to the half with a sizable 6-2 lead.
From the beginning the Huskies controlled the tempo, holding possession for most of the first half, but they were unable to capitalize on key scoring opportunities and found themselves trailing going into halftime.
Plymouth State added another goal in the third quarter, but two goals by junior Kyle Baker (Kennebunk) helped set up USM’s fourth period rally.
The Huskies trailed by as much as 8-4 midway through the final period before they finally got momentum on their side. USM Head Coach Malcolm Chase credited the comeback to the
relentless play of his team.
“The guys were relentless and they didn’t give up,” Chase said. “That was the reason we won today.”
Chase also noted that some adjustments were made to help provide some offense.
“First I want to credit their goalie; he played outstanding,” Chase said. “But we made him move across the crease and were able to find some room to score.”
With the win the Huskies find themselves at 2-2 in the Little East Conference and 4-8 overall. They play three more conference games before playoffs begin May 3.
The Huskies are currently tied at fourth in the conference with Western Connecticut and Plymouth State.
“This was a big win for us, we have a better idea where we stand in the conference now,” Chase said. “Plymouth State definitely is not the weakest team in our conference.”
Baker led the Huskies in goals with five and also recorded two assists. Bousquet-Smith had two goals, and senior Tim Bryant ( Peterborough, NH) and freshman Austin Polisky (Auburn) scored one goal apiece.
The Huskies will host Keene State in another LEC game on Saturday at 3 p.m.