The Maine Black Bears earned the #2 seed for the upcoming America East women’s soccer playoffs on Friday evening, by battling to a 0-0 draw with the University of New Hampshire in the regular season finale at Mahaney Diamond in Orono.
Maine carried the play in the first half, with shots on goal 4-0 in their favor. Kristina Kelly had the first great opportunity when her shot hit the top of the crossbar and went over the net in the 8th minute. Julie Lossius had a chance in the 24th minute, but was stopped by UNH goalie Sally Rainey who dove to her right to keep it out. The Wildcats picked up the intensity in the second half of action, but it was Abby Kraemer for the Black Bears who nearly broke the deadlock six minutes in breaking into the box and firing a shot that Rainey punched away and over the net. Alivia Kelly had one of the better chances for the visitors three minutes later, with a free kick that was saved by Kira Kutzinski in traffic. Kraemer had one more offer in the final 30 seconds, but couldn’t convert. The shots on goal ended up 9-6 in favor of Maine.
Kutzinski made six saves and Rainey made nine for their respective teams. Kutzinski recorded her sixth shutout in 16 games. Maine finished the regular season 9-1-6, 4-1-3 in America East. UNH ends up in third place with a record of 6-4-5, 3-1-4 in conference play. The Wildcats will host #6 Vermont in the quarterfinals on Monday. The Black Bears get a first round bye, and will take on either the Catamounts or Wildcats in a semifinal matchup in Orono on Thursday night at 6 p.m. Maine is 9-0-8 in their last 17 games at Mahaney Diamond, with their last loss over two years ago.
Recap by Chris Lessner
