UMFK’s Stephenson and Francis score 1 each, but Beavers earn tie on penalty kick
The University of Maine at Fort Kent women’s soccer team delivered a relentless attacking performance Sunday afternoon, overcoming a halftime deficit and scoring twice during the closing 15 minutes to earn a 2-2 draw against the University of Maine at Farmington.
UMFK controlled the match statistically, outshooting the Beavers 23-7 and placing 16 attempts on goal compared with five for the hosts. The Bengals also earned all four corner kicks in the contest and forced Farmington goalkeeper Roo Sawyer to make 14 saves.
The result moved UMFK to 5-4-1 on the season.
Farmington opened the scoring just 39 seconds into the match, but the Bengals responded by taking control of the action. UMFK generated 11 first-half shots and forced six saves before halftime despite entering the break trailing 1-0.
The Bengals maintained that pressure after the intermission, producing another 12 shots, placing eight on frame and earning three corner kicks during the second half.
UMFK’s breakthrough arrived in the 76th minute when Tajay Stephenson scored an unassisted goal to bring the Bengals level at 1-1. Stephenson was one of UMFK’s most dangerous attackers throughout the match, finishing with five shots and four attempts on goal.
The Bengals continued pushing forward and took the lead in the 84th minute. Shylah Francis finished an opportunity created by Shaniah Johnson to give UMFK a 2-1 advantage. Francis supplied an immediate spark after entering the match during the second half, recording four shots and placing two on target.
Farmington equalized at 85:27 following a penalty-kick sequence. UMFK goalkeeper Dreanna Thaw stopped the initial attempt, but Rita Benoit converted the ensuing opportunity to tie the match at 2-2.
The Bengals nearly reclaimed the lead in the 88th minute when Breanna Marr placed another shot on goal, but Sawyer recorded her 14th save to preserve the draw. Marr matched Stephenson with five shots and four attempts on frame.
UMFK’s attack received contributions throughout the lineup. Madi Martin and Dejaunae Lewis each placed two shots on goal, while Rosaria Talbot added two attempts and one shot on target. Johnson recorded the assist on Francis’ goal, and Thaw finished with three saves.
The draw demonstrated the Bengals’ resilience after conceding in the opening minute. UMFK responded by dictating the pace, creating chances throughout the match and producing two late goals during an assertive second-half comeback.
By the Numbers
- UMFK outshot Farmington, 23-7.
- The Bengals held a 16-5 advantage in shots on goal.
- UMFK earned all four corner kicks in the match.
- Farmington was forced to make 14 saves.
- Tajay Stephenson recorded five shots, four shots on goal and one goal.
- Shylah Francis recorded four shots, two shots on goal and one goal.
- Breanna Marr recorded five shots and four shots on goal.
- Shaniah Johnson assisted the go-ahead goal.