Peabo Knoth collected a pair of assists in Bates' 3-0 win over UMaine-Farmington on Sept. 7, 2016. (File photo by Josh Kuckens/Bates College)
Video: Eric Opoku's two goals
LEWISTON, Maine -- Eric Opoku scored two goals in his college soccer debut, and Peabo Knoth assisted on two goals as Bates defeated UMaine-Farmington 3-0 Wednesday night at Garcelon Field in the Bobcats' season opener.
Opoku (Accra, Ghana), 5-foot-5, 135 pounds and speedy, electrified the large crowd in scoring the first two goals of the season.
In the game's ninth minute, senior forward Knoth (Portland, Maine) threaded a through-ball bouncing on the artificial turf to Opoku near the top of the UMF penalty area. Opoku stayed onsides and finished the play by squeezing a shot between Beavers goalkeeper Matt Wilson and the near post.
The rookie added an equally sensational goal in the 51st minute, coming up with a loose ball from 25 yards out and sneaking a low shot through a gap in the UMF defense and past Wilson, whose view of the shot may have been shielded.
Bates opened a 3-0 lead in the 70th minute with junior Nate Merchant (Los Angeles, Calif.) scoring on Knoth's second assist. The two forwards combined on a takeaway and Knoth fed Merchant, who carried along Garcelon Field's 10-yard line until he was in front of the UMF goal, when he flicked a 90-degree volley that found the net under the crossbar.
Bates sophomore Robbie Montanaro (Belmont, Mass.) earned a shutout in his first start in goal, collecting one save. Wilson made three saves for the Beavers.
Senior Jack Martell (Gray, Maine), returning to the field for the first time since 2014, led an outstanding defensive effort that all but eliminated the Beavers' offensive opportunities. Bates held an 18-2 advantage in shots attempted, including a 6-1 difference in shots on goal. The Bobcats also had 10 corner kicks to UMF's two.
Bates (1-0) won its eighth consecutive non-conference game, a streak that dates to 2014. The Bobcats will host Hamilton in their NESCAC opener on Saturday at 2pm, at Russell Street Field.
UMF (1-1) suffered its first loss and will next play a non-league game at Pine Manor Saturday at 3pm.
