GORHAM, Maine -- Senior Greg Cox (Brookline, Mass.) scored his ninth goal of the season in the 75th minute of play to give the University of Southern Maine a thrilling, 1-0 victory over Rhode Island College Saturday in a men's soccer match pitting the top two teams in the Little East Conference.

With the regular season title and the top seed in the upcoming Little East tournament on the line, Cox slotted home a pass from senior Sinisa Bajic (Belgrade, Serbia) to break a scoreless tie. Bajic had won a ball along the left wing touch line and made a strong run down the side before passing the ball across the box to a streaking Cox.

With the lead, the Huskies defended their goal over the final 15 minutes to preserve the win and take their first-ever conference regular season title. Junior goalkeeper David Kreps (Agawam, Mass.) made four saves for USM to earn his sixth shutout of the season.

Freshman Justin O'Connor (North Kingstown, R.I.) registered two saves for Rhode Island College.

Southern Maine finished the regular season 12-7-1 overall and 6-1-0 in the conference. The Huskies will host a semifinal match on Wednesday against the winner of the Western Connecticut at Plymouth State University match from Nov. 3. 

Rhode Island College closes the regular season 10-5-4 and 5-1-1 in the conference. The Anchormen earned the second seed in the upcoming tournament and will host third-seeded Eastern Connecticut State University at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5.

2008 Little East Conference Tournament

Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 - Play-In Game

#5 Western Connecticut - 0 at #4 Plymouth State University - 6

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 - Semifinals

#4 Plymouth State University          at  #1 University of Southern Maine, 1:30 p.m.
#3 Eastern Connecticut State Univ. at #2 Rhode Island College, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 - Championship

Winner of #3 at #2 vs. Winner of #4 at #1 (highest remaining seed)