Vestal, N.Y. ? The University of Maine women’s soccer team defeated the University of New Hampshire, 2-0, Friday afternoon at West Gym Field to advance to the finals of the 2004 America East Championship. No. 2 Maine will face top-seeded Binghamton on Sunday at 12 noon.
After a scoreless first half, Maine got on the board first with a goal from America East Rookie of the Year Marie-Andree Canuel. Canuel headed in the goal off a free kick from senior Emily Stevens at the 59:50 mark.
The Black Bears would add an insurance goal at 68:40, as junior Heather Hathorn beat New Hampshire goalkeeper Lynn Gugliuzza on a slash in front of the net for a 2-0 lead. Hathorn’s goal was assisted by junior Erin Corey.
Credit Maine sophomore goalie Tanya Adorno and the defense for the shutout in goal. The Black Bear defense limited New Hampshire to only two shots in the game, one in each half. The Black Bears advance to the conference finals for the second year in a row and will play host Binghamton for the America East title. Maine improves to 13-5-1 on the season, while New Hampshire’s season comes to an end with a final mark of 11-8-2. The America East champion earns the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championships.
Scoring
Maine- Marie-Andree Canuel (Emily Stevens), 59:10
Maine-Heather Hathorn (Erin Corey), 68:20
Shots
New Hampshire: 2
Maine: 20
Saves
New Hampshire: Lynn Gugliuzza (90:00, 6 saves)
Maine: Tanya Adorno (90:00, 0 saves)