ORONO – The streak is over.

University of Maine freshman midfielder Alex Rickett’s goal 6:29 into the first overtime off a Jimmy Velas pass ended the school’s 22-game losing streak and 26-game winless skein (0-24-2) as the Maine men’s soccer team nipped the University of Massachusetts 1-0 Friday afternoon.

Sophomore transfer Nemanja Kostic of Serbia made seven saves on 15 shots for the Black Bears in the mutual season-opener, including a point-blank gem in the opening minutes that “set the tone” according to first-year Maine coach Pat Laughlin.

Zach Simmons made three saves on five shots for UMass.

“It’s a good feeling for me, being an alum, and it’s an unbelievable feeling for the players,” said Laughlin, who captained the 1992 Maine team. “It always feels good to start the season with a win. I’m really proud of the players.

“UMass is a quality opponent and we had to do a great job defending to get this result. UMass had a lot of opportunities. They put us under a lot of pressure but our guys did a good job not breaking down,” added Laughlin.

He said one of the neat aspects of the win was it was a senior and a freshman who teamed up for the goal.

“Jimmy has been here through the trying times and he got it to the first-year guy,” said Laughlin.

Velas picked off a UMass clear, took on a defender and then slotted the ball over to Rickett.

“The ‘keeper had to come out and Alex put it low, right by his foot and into the far corner,” said Laughlin, who added that fullback and captain Kiaran McCormack anchored the defensive effort.

Maine’s next game is Wednesday in Falmouth at 7 p.m. against Holy Cross.