Box Score
BANGOR, Maine—Freshman Ben Gradert's (Hudson, Ohio) header finish at the back post off a corner kick in the 54^th minute was the only offense the Gordon Men's Soccer team to notch their second straight victory to begin the 2014 season. The Fighting Scots dominated possession over the first 80 minutes of play on the way to a 1-0 win over Maine Maritime in the opener of a two-day tournament at Husson University.
 
Chances came in plenty for the Scots in the first half, but the execution seen in the rout of Salem State six days ago was disrupted by the defensive focus of the Mariners. Gordon's dynamic attack struggled to sort through the muck in their offensive end, as the Mariners packed as many defenders in their defensive half to force lengthy shots. The Scots quick-twitch passing scheme allowed them to get within shouting distance. However, despite outshooting their opponents 11-2 in the first half, only three of the attempts were on net.
 
After a scoreless first half, Gordon looked to set the tone of the second half with pressure immediately coming out of the gate. The Fighting Scots had two good opportunities right away off the foot of Andy Guthrie (Beaver Falls, Pa.), but both were deflected wide to set up a couple of corner kicks. Gordon couldn't convert on the first corner, but the second provided a score identical to the final goal from last week's contest against Salem State.
 
The towering Gradert was able to get over his man just on the outside of the back post and headed the ball straight down, crossing the goal line in the process. Guthrie's feed was right on the money to give the Scots a one-goal lead in the early stages of the second stanza.
 
Maine Maritime (0-3) changed its focus from defensive to offensive in the latter part of the game, earning four of their five corner kicks in the final 10 minutes of play. The Mariners' best chance came in the 84^th minute on a shot by Tom Sampson, but his chip was deflected just to the left of the goal to preserve the victory.
 
Josh Spoonhour (Greencastle, Pa.) made two saves to earn his second victory of the year, while Marshall Spear made four stops in the loss.
 
The Fighting Scots are back in action tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. when they play host Husson University (1-1), who defeated Southern Maine 3-1 on Friday night.