FARMINGTON, Maine - In a highly anticipated rematch from last season's North Atlantic Conference (NAC) East Quarterfinal between the University of Maine at Farmington and Thomas College, it was the Beavers who avenged their shootout loss from a season ago, taking down the Terriers 1-0 in an important NAC regular season game. 

From the opening kick-off the game's intensity was felt as both teams understood the playoff implications the game could eventually have. The Terriers drew a corner kick just 17 seconds into the game, but were unable to get the ball on net.

Senior midfielder Aric Belanger (Manchester, Maine) had an opportunity to score in the 9th minute, but a great defensive save by Cole Washburn kept the game scoreless. 

Neither team had another real strong opportunity in the half to score as the teams jockeyed with one another for possession throughout. The Beavers held a 5-3 advantage in shots while each team had one corner kick going into halftime. 

Matthew Gosselin got the start in net for the Terriers but gave way to Jayce Neilsen to open up the 2nd half. The Beavers wasted no time welcoming Neilsen into the game. Just 5:40 into the 2nd half McHugh found the back of the net. The Beavers drew a free kick on the right wing deep in Terrier territory. The free kick played similarly to a corner kick for the Beavers. Junior forward Zach Chaisson (Scarborough, Maine) took the kick, putting the ball right in front of the goal where Trevor Krueger (Sandwich, Mass.) was able to flick a header to the back post allowing McHugh to run onto it and get a knee on it, directing the ball into the back of the net.

Three minutes after the McHugh goal, the Beavers had another opportunity to score when senior defender William Dowse (Sherborn, Mass.) blasted a rocket just wide.

The Terriers best opportunity to score came when they lofted a ball high and deep into the Beavers defensive penalty box. First-year goalkeeper Jackson Leach (Farmingdale, Maine) came off his line to come get the lofting kick. The ball took a wicked hop, getting over Leach's head. When Leach retreated back towards the ball he stumbled as the ball bounced toward the net. Sophomore defender Caelan Billings (Sullivan, Maine) raced back to head the ball off the goalline and keep the Beaver lead intact. 

The Terriers were able to draw a pair of corner kicks in the final minutes, but were unable to get anything on frame to test Leach. Leach had to make just one save to pick up the shutout victory. 

The Beavers held advantages in shots (9-5) and shots on goal (4-1). The Terriers held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks. 

With the victory, the Beavers improve to 5-4-2 on the season and 3-0 in NAC Play. The Terriers drop to 4-4-5 with a 2-1 record in NAC play.

UP NEXT

The Beavers will host SUNY Cobleskill on Saturday afternoon in a NAC crossover contest. The game is currently scheduled for 2:30 PM.