NMCC stands at 2-1

    PRESQUE ISLE – The Northern Maine Community College Falcons soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday, dropping a 4-2 decision to Central Maine Community College at the Johnson Athletic Complex.     CMCC improved to 3-0 and NMCC fell to 2-1 as the visitors scored four consecutive goals after the Falcons had taken a 1-0 lead 15 minutes into the match on Tyler Robinson’s goal off a Luke Ireland assist.
    Shane Hurdle scored three of his CMCC team’s four goals, with teammate Hilowle Aden providing the go-ahead tally with two minutes left in the first half.
    Ireland scored late in the game to account for the final margin.
    NMCC opened Maine Small College Conference play with victories over EMCC and SMCC the previous weekend. In the 2-0 win over EMCC in Bangor Sept. 12, Dustin Graham of Brunswick scored both goals, with Robinson and Ireland contributing assists. Both goals came in the first half. Matt Tarr saved four shots to record the shutout for NMCC.
    The following afternoon, the Falcons traveled south to Portland and took on SMCC. With just a 13-player roster, the Falcons overcame tremendous pressure, especially in the second half, and scored a 2-1 overtime victory.
    Ireland netted the game-winner 4:37 into overtime by converting a penalty kick. Ireland had scored off a Robinson assist to give the Falcons the early 1-0 lead, but Peter Dore tied the match with two minutes to play in regulation, setting up Ireland’s heroics.
    The Falcons are scheduled to play two home games this week – a friendly against EMCC Thursday at 4 p.m. at NMCC and a league match against Hesser College Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Johnson Athletic Complex.