Bengals Show Firepower and Resolve in 3-3 Draw at Keene State
The UMFK men’s soccer team delivered a determined attacking performance Tuesday afternoon, scoring three times and twice taking the lead in the second half before settling for a thrilling 3-3 draw against Keene State.
UMFK established its attacking presence early, outshooting the Owls 4-2 during the opening 15 minutes. Goalkeeper Boliver Owusu kept Keene State off the scoreboard with multiple saves before the Owls eventually broke through in the 31st minute.
The Bengals answered almost immediately.
Just 3:08 after Keene State took the lead, Christopher McKenzie and Javel Clarke combined to create the response, finding Javel Barnes inside the penalty area. Barnes finished the opportunity in the 34th minute to pull UMFK level at 1-1.
Owusu preserved the tie before halftime with an athletic diving save on a long-range attempt, sending the teams into the break even.
UMFK came out aggressively in the second half and moved ahead in the 56th minute. Rohane Brown provided the service for Kevaun Garwood, who found the back of the net to give the Bengals a 2-1 advantage.
Keene State responded six minutes later to tie the match, but UMFK continued pressing for the go-ahead goal. The Bengals regained the lead in the 74th minute after drawing a penalty inside the Owls’ box. Clarke stepped to the spot and confidently converted the penalty kick, putting UMFK back in front, 3-2.
The Owls equalized less than three minutes later, setting up a tense conclusion. Both teams generated opportunities over the closing minutes, but neither was able to produce the decisive fourth goal.
UMFK finished with a 14-13 advantage in total shots and earned five corner kicks compared with three for Keene State. The Bengals placed six attempts on goal and received six saves from Owusu during the full 90 minutes.
Three different Bengals—Barnes, Garwood and Clarke—scored in the match, while McKenzie, Clarke and Brown contributed assists. The balanced production highlighted UMFK’s attacking depth and ability to respond under pressure in the first meeting between the two programs.
The Bengals will return to action Tuesday, Oct. 6, when they travel to face the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.