University of Southern Maine (USM) and Keene State College drew even with a 2-2 score in an intense Little East Conference (LEC) matchup on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Dr. Ron Butcher Field. The Owls outshot the Huskies 29-16, but two converted penalty kicks by Meghan Przybilla helped secure a point for USM.
Keene State struck first and hit hard when first-year Kylie Rapoza put in her first goal of the season with the assist credited to junior Allison Kenyon. The Owls regained the lead later in the half due to Southern Maine scoring on their own goal.
The Huskies answered the bell each time, with Przybilla converting from the penalty spot twice to tie the game and cap off a gutsy showing. Both penalties came at crucial moments to keep USM in the game while Keene State had control of many other statistics.
Keene State dominated offensively with 29 total shots, nine of them being shots on goal compared to USM’s 16, with seven of them being shots on goal, but the Huskies’ goalkeeper had many timely defensive plays that steadied the tide and kept it even.
With this result, Southern Maine climbs higher in the LEC standings after the win, while Keene State continues its search for its first conference win of the young season, now with four LEC ties. Keene State will play Rhode Island College, which is 8-2 on the year, in an effort to bounce back after its sixth tie of the year.
Jonathan Smyers can be contacted at
