ORONO, MAINE – For the first time in program history, Maine is the America East women’s soccer champion! Lara Kirkby’s goal in the second overtime period lifted the second-seeded Black Bears over fourth-seeded UMass Lowell, 3-2, in the 2023 #AEWSOC title game in front of a large crowd at Maine’ Mahaney Diamond.
After the Black Bears jumped out to a 2-0 lead, the River Hawks scored a pair of unanswered goals to tie the game and send it to overtime before Kirkby’s tally in the 105th minute propelled Maine to the win.
Kirkby, who had two goals in the contest, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
The Black Bears, whose win was its first in six championship game appearances, will learn their NCAA draw during the selection show on Monday at 4 p.m. It will be broadcast on NCAA.com.
Kayla Kraemer got Maine, the 10th different program to win an America East women's soccer title, on the board in the 15th minute sending home a loose ball in front of the net into the lower right-hand corner with her left foot.
Maine (10-1-6) increased its lead to 2-0 in the 41st minute after being awarded a penalty kick for a foul in the box. Lara Kirkby, an America East first-team All-Conference selection, buried the shot in the middle of the net.
UMass Lowell (5-6-7), which was making its second-ever title game appearance, closed the gap to one in the closing seconds of the first half. Calliste Brookshire sent in a free kick from just inside the 50 yard, which Julia Edholm headed home with just 21 seconds left in the period.
With time running out on the River Hawks’ chances, their opportunity came in the 86th minute with a penalty kick of their own. Calliste Brookshire converted it and sent the game to overtime.
In the extra session, Maine had better chances and scored what proved to be the game winner when Kirkby sent home a clearing attempt from inside the box in the 105th minute.
Taylor Burgess, an All-Championship team choice, made seven saves for UMass Lowell, while Kira Kutzinski had three for Maine.
Maine’s Myla Schneider earned the Elite 18 Award for having the highest GPA among student-athletes competing in the championship. The junior has a 3.96 GPA majoring in biology.
Visit Championship Central for box scores, highlights and recaps from each round in addition to team tournament history and more.
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