NORTH ANDOVER, MA - Husson University lost its opening game of the season on a very rainy day in North Andover to Division II Merrimack College Saturday afternoon The Eagles lost both sophmore starting quarterback James McCandless (Hollywood Hills, FL) and junior running back Justin Lindie (Winslow, ME) to injuries in the first half.

Merrimack reached the end zone quickly, as James Suozzo (Everett, MA) connected with Chris Laham (Westwood, MA) on the third play of their first drive from 56-yards out for a touchdown. The touchdown was Laham's third of the season.

Moments later, Suozzo scampered in from two yards out, completing a six-play, 80-yard drive that took just 1:50 and gave the hosts the early 14-0 lead. It was Suozzo's fourth rushing touchdown in the last three quarters.

After Pedrom Tand (Northboro, MA) hit his first field goal of the season from 31-yards, Suozzo found Devin Gordon (Baltimore, MD) from 44-yards out for his second passing touchdown of the first half, giving the Warriors the 23-0 lead heading into the locker room.

Merrimack cruised from there, allowing just 218 total yards from the Eagles while forcing three turnovers in the victory.

Julius Williams led Husson with 40 rushing yards on 19 carries. The Eagles completed just nine passes on 18 attempts in their first game of the season.

The Eagles now prepare for Anna Maria at home in an ECFC non-conference matchup next Saturday September 19 at The Winkin Complex at 1:00pm.