Colby edges Eagles Mules rally in second half

BANGOR – Colby College was playing against the wind in the second half of its women’s soccer game at Husson College Tuesday but Mules coach Jennifer Holsten said that proved to be beneficial.

“At halftime, we talked about putting the ball down on the ground because we were going into the wind and I think that played more into our possession game, our tactical game, and it paid off for us,” said Holsten, whose Mules received second-half goals from Laura Williamson and Liz Morbeck to rally past Husson 2-1.

Colby improved to 2-0-2 while Husson fell to 3-2-1.

Former NESCAC Rookie of the Year Williamson equalized with her fourth goal of the season with 28:49 remaining and Morbeck’s first goal won it 15:30 later.

University of Maine transfer Shelby Pickering of Lee scored her fifth goal for Husson just 1:49 into the game.

A pinpoint through ball by Meggie Herlihy sent Williamson in alone on Husson goalie Leah Drew and she converted.

“[Drew] came out to cut down the angle but I put it low, far post,” said Williamson whose shot was Colby’s first of the second half after a 21-shot barrage in the first half.

Morbeck’s game-winner was set up by a Libba Cox header to the far post off a Lauren Goethals cross.

“I normally try to delay my runs in case it bounces off a couple people. I just try and pick up any garbage and it was there today,” said Morbeck, who drilled a six-yarder inside the near post past the helpless Drew.

Pickering nearly tied it moments later but her curling 30-yard free kick hit the crossbar.

Pickering’s goal came on a breakaway off a precise Katie Nickerson through ball.

She calmly placed her 10-yarder into the far corner to the left of Colby goalie Liza Benson.

Pickering returned the favor later in the half by sending Nickerson in on a partial break-in but Benson made a nice diving stop on the low shot.

Benson finished with four saves on seven shots.

Drew was terrific for Husson, making nine saves on 32 shots including several gems. Fullbacks Meredith Homer, Shelby Morissette and Laura Clarke supported her with exceptional play.

“We played hard,” said Pickering. “We caught them off guard at the beginning and had a couple more chances right after that but we couldn’t convert.”

Homer said playing as well as they did against a tough team like Colby “was a huge deal for us. We held them for so long. It was inspiring. But it was also very disappointing to lose. We got worn out.”