Auburn, ME – A three goal performance by junior forward Ivan Domingues saw the Central Maine Community College Mustangs run past Husson University for a 5-3 win on Wednesday night. It was the sixth career hat trick for the junior from Lewiston High School. Brother Igor Domingues and Jeremiah Gomez had the other two goals for CMCC.
The Mustangs came hustling out of the gate, taking fewer than five minutes to put the ball in the back of the net. Leandro Auger set up Igor Domingues on the left corner of the penalty area and he delivered a beautifully curled shot that nestled inside the far post and just under the crossbar.
In the 10th minute, it was Jeremiah Gomez' turn to get in on the scoring act. The Thornton Academy product pounced on an errant back pass to go one-on-one with Husson goalkeeper Jamie Barr. A fake shot sat the goalkeeper down to allow Gomez to roll the ball home with his left foot for a 2-0 Central Maine lead.
That was how the score stayed until halftime, with the Mustangs enjoying a 9-5 edge in shots through the first 45 minutes.
The scoring started even faster for CMCC in the second half. Just 35 seconds after the restart, Igor got to the end line and squared a pass for brother Ivan Domingues. His first touch brought the ball under control near the penalty area, and Ivan's second touch was a right-footed volley into the bottom corner for a 3-0 lead.
That would set the tone for Ivan's second half hat trick. Goal number two would also come from the penalty spot three minutes later, but this time after Gomez was able to win a penalty kick following a foul in the area by Husson's Menuka Perera. Ivan sent the keeper the wrong way with a calm shot into the bottom left corner.
The Eagles would pull one back right before the hour mark. Carsen Cyr's turnaround shot from the top of the box just squeezed between the post and goalkeeper Guelor Kazadi's right hand to cut the deficit to 4-1.
About five minutes later Ivan Domingues would restore order with his third goal of the night, once again thanks to some help from brother Igor. An inch perfect through pass from Igor cut the defense apart and allowed Ivan a one-on-one chance. He nudged the ball between the legs of the on-rushing Barr to seal the win and a man of the match performance.
"The chemistry is coming along," said Ivan. "We're putting in the work. It feels good, but I couldn't do it without my teammates getting me the ball."
Husson would make things interesting down the stretch with a late flurry of shots. Silas Montigny delivered a great cross from the right wing to pick out Pablo Maroto. His finish made it 5-2 in the 72nd minute. With under two minutes to play, a mix-up in the makeshift defensive line for CMCC allowed Cyr a two-on-oh chance. The forward unselfishly squared the ball for a wide open Tibo Desorme to make it 5-3.
The Mustangs finish off their slate of games against NCAA Division III opponents with an unbeaten record. A win against Maine Maritime in exhibition play along with victories over Thomas and Husson, and a draw against UNE, leaves Central Maine with a 2-0-1 record.
"It's good to put away the five goals," said head coach Dalton Wing. "That's what we've been struggling with, finishing and being ruthless in front of net. There are still opportunities to improve. That's why you schedule these games against tougher teams like Husson."
CMCC next takes on Bridgton Academy on the road on September 10th, before returning home to face York County Community College on Thursday, September 12th at 6:00 pm.
