FARMINGTON, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington men's soccer team built an early 2-0 lead but was unable to hold on in the second half, settling for a 2-2 draw against the University of Maine at Fort Kent on Wednesday afternoon at Leib Field.

How It Happened

After an hour-long weather delay, the Beavers came out strong, controlling the tempo and dominating possession for much of the first half.

First-year forward Owen Spera (Gorham, Maine) continued his hot start to the season, opening the scoring in the 14th minute. Spera broke free behind the Fort Kent back line on a pass from fellow first-year Reed Pambianco (Blue Hill, Maine) and rifled a shot into the upper-left corner to give UMF a 1-0 lead.

Spera struck again 13 minutes later, his fifth goal in just two games, when Annimer Ibrahim (Lewiston, Maine) sent a long, lofted pass over the defense. Spera beat the back line and slipped a shot past goalkeeper Romeo Daniels, who had come off his line, doubling the Beaver advantage.

Farmington continued to generate chances but couldn't extend the lead, carrying a 2-0 edge into halftime.

The second half told a different story, as Fort Kent seized momentum and flipped the possession battle. In the 60th minute, Javel Clarke delivered a long ball over UMF's defense, setting up Christopher McKenzie, who finished inside the left post to cut the lead in half.

Just three minutes later, the Bengals drew even when Rohane Brown bent a free kick past the UMF wall. Beaver goalkeeper Hunter Frost (Monmouth, Maine) got a hand on it, but the shot deflected into the net to make it 2-2.

After conceding the equalizer, UMF regrouped defensively and limited Fort Kent's opportunities down the stretch. The Beavers nearly regained the lead late in the match when Arden Weaver (Surry, Maine) flicked a header on goal off a free kick, but Daniels made a point-blank save to preserve the draw.

By the Numbers

• Shots: Fort Kent 15, Farmington 7
• Shots on Goal: Fort Kent 6, Farmington 4
• Corner Kicks: Fort Kent 5, Farmington 2

In Goal

Both keepers made key stops to secure the result. Frost tallied four saves for UMF, while Daniels finished with two for Fort Kent.

Up Next

The Beavers will have a few days off before returning to action on Tuesday at Lasell University. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in Newton, Massachusetts.