BRUNSWICK, Maine – Charlie Ward netted a hat-trick to pace the Bowdoin men's soccer team to a 6-1 win over visiting University of Southern Maine on Wednesday afternoon.

The Polar Bears (3-1-3) exploded for five second half goals. The Huskies (0-7-2) made it 2-1 early in the second half, but were unable to hold off the Bowdoin offense. 

Game Highlights

• Bowdon jumped into the game with a goal just 40 seconds into action. Ian Strudwick worked the ball down the right side, battling into the corner of the box, and crossed a pass to Jason Oliver for a one-timer from just outside the goal box. The tally was Oliver's first collegiate goal.
• USM looked for an equalizer less than a minute into the second half as James Hutchinson chipped a shot up from the top of the penalty box. Michael Webber reacted quickly to jump into the air and pull the ball down and keep the Huskies off the board.
• The Polar Bears doubled their lead 1:11 into the second half off a quick throw-in from Alex Chaban to Ward.
• Three minutes later, Ward capped the hat-trick as Brian Bae found him at the top of the box for a one-touch and shot to the far left post.
• With ten minutes remaining, Matt Uek worked his way through three USM defenders and blasted a left-footed shot across his body back inside the right post.
• Strudwick had his first collegiate goal in the 85^th minute of play, working the ball down the left sideline and carrying across the top of the box before firing a shot off in stride to the right post.
  

By the Numbers

• Bowdoin held a 26-6 short advantage and 13-2 edge in corner kicks.
• Michael Webber made two stops in 80 minutes of action. Sam McDowell came in to finish out the game for Bowdoin.
• Cameron Atherton made nine saves for the Huskies.

Up Next

• The Polar Bears play a 12:00 p.m. game at Trinity on Saturday.
• USM hosts Castleton at noon on Saturday.