College Field Hockey: Jackson Scores Two as USM Downs Western Connecticut 2-1

Photo, recap courtesy of USM

GORHAM, Maine -- Junior Lindsay Jackson (Readfield, Maine/Maranacook) scored two goals Saturday as the University of Southern Maine field hockey team came from behind to defeat visiting Western Connecticut State University 2-1 in Little East Conference action at Hannaford Field.

            The win improved the Huskies overall record to 5-6, and 4-3 in LEC play.  The Colonials dropped their third straight contest to fall to 3-8 overall and 1-6 in the conference.

            With the game tied at 1-1 heading into the second half, it would be Jackson who would get what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 59th minute.  Senior Michaela Demers (Manchester, N.H./Memorial) drove a long restart towards Jackson who was stationed to the left side of the cage. Jackson controlled the pass and quickly swept her shot past Western Connecticut senior goalie Kristy Trotta (Danbury, Conn.) for her second goal of the game, and her third of the season.

            The Huskies' defense did a good job protecting the lead over the final 11 minutes to preserve the victory.

            Western Connecticut took a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute when freshman Carly Matasavage (Middlebury, Conn.) scored her third goal of the season redirecting a drive from the top of the circle by rookie Allie Noteware (New Milford, Conn.).

            The Colonials' lead stood until the 21st minute.  Jackson, again at the left side of the cage, took a pass from junior Kaylie Andrews (Kittery, Maine/Traip Academy) and beat Trotta to the near side.

            Southern Maine had a big edge in the statistics, outshooting Western Connecticut 14-1 and piling up a 10-2 advantage in penalty corners.  USM senior goalie Amanda Kasbohm (York, Maine) earned the victory without making a save.  Trotta stopped seven shots, including six in the second half, in the Colonial cage.

            The Huskies begin a stretch of six straight road games on Monday (6:00 p.m.) facing nationally-ranked Bowdoin College in a non-conference game.  The Colonials are off until Wednesday (4:30 p.m.) when they play at Manhattanville College.