Maine Maritime Academy junior and Farmington native Evan Backus defends the midfield during a Mariner home game earlier this season. Courtesy of Tony Llerena Photography
Castine—The top-ranked Maine Maritime Academy men’s soccer team will host the North Atlantic Conference championship tournament this weekend, after defeating Thomas College by a score of 2-1 on October 24 to clinch the top spot and gain home field advantage.
The Mariners finished the regular season with an 8-6-1 overall record, and a 6-1 conference record.
The team had a slow start to its season, going 0-1-3 in the first four games before finding some momentum with back-to-back wins against the University of Maine at Farmington and University of Maine at Machias. The men wrapped up their season on a four game win streak, all of which were played at home at Richie Field.
The 26-man squad will only lose four seniors this year, with most of the team set to return for next year’s season.
For now, the team sets its sights on winning the NAC championship. Play begins on Friday, November 3, as Husson University takes on UMaine Farmington, and Northern Vermont University at Johnson takes on SUNY Canton of New York in the first round of competition. Maine Maritime Academy will face the winner of the latter matchup on Saturday, November 4, while Thomas College takes on the winner of Husson and Farmington. Game times are to be announced.
On the women’s side, the Mariners finished in second place in the NAC standings, leaving room for Thomas College to clinch the top spot and home field rights to the championship tournament, also being played this weekend.
The team recorded its best season in program history, setting a record for most wins in a season with 11. The Mariners finished the regular season with an 11-3-1 overall record, and a 6-1 conference record.
After going 1-1 to start the season, the Mariners took care of business during September, going 6-1 before the six-game win streak was snapped in an October 2 loss to Bowdoin College.
The 19-player team also loses four seniors after this season, with a young group behind them ready for next season.
Moving into the NAC tournament, the Mariners will play the winner of UMaine Farmington and NVU Johnson, Thomas College will play the winner of Husson University and SUNY Canton. The second round games are scheduled for November 3.
Championship games for both tournaments are scheduled for Sunday, November 4. Times are to be announced.