Men’s Soccer Earns Come-From-Behind 2-1 Victory at UNE

BIDDEFORD, Maine- The Eastern Nazarene College men's soccer team clawed back from a 1-0 halftime deficit with two second-half goals by Elly Buford (Atlanta, Ga.) to claim a 2-1 win at the University of New England Saturday afternoon.

The Lions improve to 5-3-1 on the season and 1-1-0 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference with the result. The Nor'easters fall to 1-4-4 overall and 0-2-1 in the league with the loss.

The home side seized a 1-0 advantage in the 13th minute. Ryan Stephens bagged his first goal of the season, finishing off a cross from the right wing by Callum Heaslewood.

The visitors held a 3-2 margin in shots through 45 minutes of action.

Eastern Nazarene netted the equalizer in the 51st minute, countering after a corner kick opportunity for the hosts. Buford knocked in his first marker of the season and Andrew Nelson (Burtonsville, Md.) collected his league-leading eighth assist of the fall.

The Lions jumped ahead 2-1 on Buford's second strike of the game in the 55th minute. The senior booted home a loose ball inside the penalty area after Ian Carson (San Antonio, Texas) lofted a free kick into the box from beyond midfield.

The guests attempted eight shots in the contest while the University of New England recorded six shots.

Jameson MacFarland (Jacksonville, Fla.) made three saves in net for the Lions on the afternoon.

"A great conference win today! Our defense played exceptionally well and had their best game of the season so far. I am proud of the way the team fought back after falling behind early," commented head coach Mark Bell.

Looking ahead, Eastern Nazarene returns home to face off against Becker in a non-conference tilt September 27.