ORONO, MAINE — Maine salvaged a crucial home victory over New Hampshire on Thursday, winning 2-1 behind a decisive strike from Luise Reinwald in the 64th minute. The Black Bears improved to 4-7-3 with the result, snapping a rough stretch with back-to-back wins. New Hampshire, meanwhile, fell to 4-5-7 despite an own goal that briefly gave the Wildcats hope late in the match. The crowd at Morse Field witnessed a tightly contested America East battle that remained competitive throughout.
Reinwald's breakthrough came at a critical juncture when Maine needed to break through after a scoreless first half. The midfielder capitalized on a chance in the 64th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead, a goal that would ultimately prove the difference. New Hampshire responded with an own goal in the 74th minute that cut the deficit to 1-1, setting up a frantic final stretch. But Maine's defense held firm, and the Black Bears secured the three points with their second goal late in the match.
The first 45 minutes unfolded as a defensive struggle with both teams creating chances but neither able to convert. New Hampshire's Molly McHugh fired a shot in the fifth minute that sailed wide, while Maine's Meghan Bernetti and Julie Lossius tested the Wildcats' defense without finding the back of the net. The midfield battle remained intense throughout, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. Substitutions early in the half—including Chloe DeLyser coming out for New Hampshire—signaled both coaches' desire to adjust their approach as the half wore on.
Maine controlled much of the second half's early stages, with Britta Denny and Abbey Thornton creating problems for New Hampshire's backline. The Black Bears' pressure eventually paid dividends when Reinwald found space and finished decisively. New Hampshire pushed back aggressively after falling behind, and the own goal in the 74th minute gave the Wildcats genuine momentum heading into the final 15 minutes. Abbi Maier and Elizabeth Finn led New Hampshire's late charge, with both players generating chances that kept Maine's goalkeeper busy.
New Hampshire outshot Maine 15-7 overall, though the Black Bears were more efficient in converting their opportunities. Maine's goalkeeper made six saves compared to four for New Hampshire, a reflection of the Wildcats' sustained pressure late in the match. Both teams earned five corner kicks, indicating balanced territorial play despite Maine's superior finishing when it mattered most. Olivia Grisdale drew a yellow card for Maine in the 74th minute as emotions intensified down the stretch.
Reinwald's performance in midfield proved instrumental for Maine's victory, orchestrating play in the attacking third and delivering the decisive moment. For New Hampshire, Walker and Finn worked tirelessly to generate chances, though their efforts ultimately fell short. The Wildcats' inability to capitalize on their shot volume—particularly in the second half—proved costly in a match where efficiency determined the outcome.
The victory gives Maine momentum heading into its next fixture, while New Hampshire must regroup after a frustrating road loss. The Black Bears' recent form has stabilized with consecutive wins, suggesting they may be turning a corner in conference play. New Hampshire, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and climb back into contention in the America East standings.