University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Keene State’s men’s soccer team in a tightly contested Little East Conference (LEC) matchup on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Cressy Field. With the win, the Corsairs improved to 5-2-1 overall and 1-0-1 in LEC play, while the Owls dropped to 5-3 and remained winless in conference action at 0-2.
Keene State wasted no time getting on the board, as first-year forward Luke Hartshorn scored just 12 seconds into the match to attain his second goal of the season. The early goal gave the Owls an early 1-0 lead against the conference opponent.
However, UMass Dartmouth responded quickly. Midfielder Jack Martin netted the equalizer in the fourth minute, scoring his first goal of the season to level the score at 1-1.
The game-winner came shortly after in the seventh minute, when Mario Rodriguez converted a penalty kick to give the Corsairs a 2-1 advantage. Despite a strong offensive push from Keene State, which outshot UMass Dartmouth 17-10 and earned nine corner kicks to the Corsairs’ three, the UMD defense held firm in the second half to preserve the win.
Despite the early lead, Keene State was unable to notch the game-tying goal in the second half. Defense from both teams was tight, only allowing the dangerous opportunities in the first 20 minutes.
Both teams played with intensity, combining for 29 fouls and four yellow cards, two by each team, in a physical contest. UMass Dartmouth’s goalkeeper made four first-half saves, while the Owls’ goalie recorded three in the second half.
The Owls will return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 27, to take on UMass Boston for another LEC matchup. The game will take place at Keene State’s Dr. Ron Butcher Field as KSC Men’s Soccer looks to get its first win in conference play.
Jonathan Smyers can be contacted at
jsmyers@kscequinox.com
