Matan Nets Two, SeaWolves Stumble In Opener

ALBANY, N.Y.—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men’s soccer team dropped its season opener to the Panthers of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) 4-3 in a non-conference road game on Sunday, Sept. 1.

The Panthers put away two quick ones courtesy of Austin Myers at the 10:20 minute-mark and again less than two minutes later. SMCC’s Alvaro Coto (Lyman, Maine) cut the deficit in half on a ball delivered by junior defender Stephen Brady (Rochester, N.H.) midway through the first half.

Albany netted a third goal off the foot of Noah Keith to begin the second but it was answered by first-year forward Mohamed Matan (Lewiston, Maine) on a rifle from the edge of the 18-yard box nearing 48 minutes.

Keith scored his second of the afternoon on a penalty kick to push the Panthers to 4-2. Matan too scored again for the road team, this time on a header goal off of a chip cross from sophomore Maxwell Pushaw (Hope, Maine). The SeaWolves could not find the equalizer with 10 minutes remaining, beginning the season 0-1-0.

SMCC used two goalkeepers to record three saves on seven shots on goal—sophomore Camden Labrecque (Saco, Maine) played 71 minutes and was taxed the loss.

In a post-game interview, Head Coach Brian Dougher commented, “This was a hard fought game by both sides. Offensively we created plenty of chances and showed resilience in working out of an early 2-0 hole. If we can clean up the mistakes on the defensive end, we’ll be tough as the season moves along.”

The SeaWolves will play host to Northern Essex Community College on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Wainwright Recreation Complex for a 4 p.m. start time. LIVE STATS available HERE.

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