Sept. 10, 2008

LOWELL, MA – Senior M Jamie Wangia (Lowell, MA) scored one goal and set up another as UMass Lowell defeated No. 8 Merrimack, 2-1, Wednesday night in a Northeast-10 Conference men’s soccer clash at Warrior Field.

With the win, the River Hawks improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the Conference entering Saturday night’s match at Southern Connecticut (7:00). Merrimack slipped to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the NE-10.

The victory also ended a three-year winless skein against the Warriors. Last year, the two rivals drew 2-2 in Lowell while previously the Warriors prevailed 3-0 in 2005 in Lowell and 2-0 in 2006 in North Andover.

Following a scoreless first half, Wangia broke the drought in the 58th minute when he headed in a corner kick from senior M Matias Pietropinto (Leominster, MA).

In the 78th minute, Wangia won the ball midfield, juggled at full speed and fed a through-ball to junior M Jeffery Danso (Worcester, MA) who broke free and converted for a 2-0 cushion.

The Warriors pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute when senior M Wayne Sygrove converted a free kick from just outside the box.

The River Hawks outshot Merrimack15-8 overall and 9-4 on target. Junior G Ryan Richards (Holden, MA) had three saves while senior G Rob Pedra stopped seven shots.

UMass Lowell 2, No. 8 Merrimack 1
At North Andover, MA

Goalkeepers
Ryan Richards (UML): 3 saves, 90:00
Rob Pedra (MER): 7 saves, 90:00