The CM mustangs opened their 2023 season with a 3-2 win over Maine Maritime Academy. The game was played with atypical three thirty-minute thirds.
The mustangs started the first third strong with sophomore transfer Tiro Philly Nong receiving a ball on the right edge of the goalkeeper box from Ivan Domingues. Nong cut inside to fire a hard shot over the diving keeper. The ball struck the crossbar bouncing down and over the line.
The Mariners drew level mid way through the 2nd third. A turnover on the halfway line was quickly dispatched forward where freshmen Dylan Wilkinson smartly finished to the left of the outrushing Nyagasaza. The Mariners took the lead on a free kick from the left of the box. A low hard shot slipped past Cloutier who had replaced Nyagasaza in goal.
Early in the final third Lumu played a long direct free kick forward over the MMA defensive line where Mnawer Dubai was able to run onto the ball and volley his shot past the outrushing keeper, bringing the score to 2-2.
The Mustangs scored the winning goal with just over 10 minutes left in the game. Nong played a short corner to Bimvy who initially mis controlled the ball. Igor Domingues was the quickest to react setting the ball back to Bimvy who curled a left footed shot high to right of the dive of the MMA goalkeeper.
The Mustangs ran out the rest of the clock to earn the win. CM returns to play with a second preseason exhibition as they host Thomas College this Friday.
