UMaine snaps goal drought, blanks Holy Cross

ORONO – Goals had been hard to come by for the University of Maine women’s soccer team.

But the Black Bears, who had scored four goals in their first six games, erupted for five goals on Friday afternoon to post a convincing 5-0 triumph over Holy Cross.

Maine improved to 2-3-2, 2-0-1 in its last three games, while Holy Cross fell to 2-5.

“It’s nice to score some goals,” said Maine junior midfielder Kim Stephenson of Hampden. “We’ve had trouble scoring in our other games. We wanted to be more aggressive in the attacking third.”

The dominant Black Bears had 33 shots at goal to six for the Crusaders.

“This will give us a confidence boost,” said sophomore back Anjelica Hodgson.

Stephenson and Hodgson combined on the first goal just 4:30 into the game.

Stephenson’s corner kick deflected to the unmarked Hodgson in the middle of the penalty area and Hodgson volleyed it with the inside of her left foot past helpless Holy Cross goalie Mary Ferketic.

“I was trying to put it across the 6[-yard line],” said Stephenson.

“I came in late. I come up from the back and try to hide,” said Hodgson.

Sophomore striker Laura Martel of Lewiston scored the first of her two goals 8:18 later.

Hailey Blackburn’s throw-in went to the head of Laura Harper, who flicked it into the path of Martel for a half-volley past Ferketic’s left hand from 10 yards out.

“It was a great flick. It took a bounce and I knocked it in,” said Martel.

Freshman striker Cari Gill closed out the half with another goal off a set piece.

Cristina Di Ielsi’s long diagonal free kick was headed to the far post by Blackburn, and the unmarked Gill sprinted in alone and took a low shot that beat Ferketic.

“It went between her legs,” said Gill.

Holy Cross had its best chance of the game early in the second half when Lauren Wright directed a header to the far side of the penalty area to an open Sarah Gouveia.

But Gouveia didn’t get much on her shot and it rolled harmlessly wide.

Christine LaBelle and Martel capped the scoring later in the second half.

LaBelle burst through the Crusader defense and slotted the ball past Ferketic’s right and Martel beat Ferketic with a powerful header off a short and well-placed cross by Veronique Fleury.

“They’re a good team,” said Ferketic, who finished with eight saves. “They capitalized on their chances and we didn’t. They had a lot of open shots.”

“They moved the ball well and capitalized,” said Holy Cross coach Deb Flaherty. “It didn’t help that we didn’t come to play.”

Maine hasn’t allowed a goal in its past three games and has surrendered just one in its last four games.

Jasmine Phillips faced three shots and didn’t have to make a save before Jaymie Coulston finished up and made two routine saves on three shots.

“Our defense has been consistent all season,” said Stephenson.