Box Score Highlights

LOWELL, Mass. – A three-goal second half led the UMass Lowell men's soccer team to a 3-1 win in non-conference play over NJIT in a rain-soaked contest Wednesday night. 

Head Coach Christian Figueroa was pleased with the win and how his squad has gained momentum heading into the final stretch, but he also realizes how fickle momentum can be.

"I think we have got to stay focused, stay disciplined, pay attention to detail, and take care of bodies."

Figueroa also praised the team's effort in the rough weather conditions.

"The wind was an advantage for us in the second half, as NJIT struggled to control the ball. The guys were focused and sharp tonight, and worked hard to connect their passes. That was key especially with how slick the rain made the field." 

After a sloppy start, the Highlanders took the 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. Victor Kausch snuck a ball through to Joshua Mercer who rifled a low shot to the far corner.

The River Hawks (6-8-1, 2-1-1) had their best opportunity of the 39th minute when Augusto Trento (Leominster, Mass.) put his foot on a loose ball, but it trickled just wide of the post.

In the second half UMass Lowell pulled even on a 35-yard bomb from Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde), who fell down after the shot, that just got over the leaping Max Bradhe.

Jacob Fitzgerald had a shot blocked in the 72nd minute that would have broken the tie, as Bradhe was out of position on the shot.

Three minutes later Trento was fouled in the box and the River Hawks were awarded a penalty kick. Homero Morais (Somerville, Mass.) stepped up to the ball and buried it for the 2-1 lead. Bradhe guessed the correct way and got two hands on the ball, but he didn't get enough of it to keep the ball out of the net.

Guilherme Rodrigues (Lowell, Mass.) added the insurance goal in the 86th minute off a cross from Federico Ferre (Waltham, Mass.).

UMass Lowell outshot NJIT (6-5-4, 1-1-0 Sun Belt) 18-13, including a 13-6 advantage in the second half. Rodrigues, Homero, Morais, and Carlos Ruiz (East Boston, Mass.) each had three shots apiece. Danny Cordeiro had three to lead the visitors.

Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) made six saves for his sixth win of the season. His counterpart, Bradhe, made two saves.

The River Hawks return to action during Homecoming weekend with a 3 p.m. matchup against Binghamton.