Sept. 2, 2009

It’s become an anticipated rivalry, even if it is a bit one-sided.

For the sixth straight year, the UMass Lowell men’s soccer team opens the season against Dowling College Wednesday (4:00) at Cushing Field.

The Golden Lions, which enter the clash having suffered a 3-0 loss at Franklin Pierce Thursday and a 2-1 overtime triumph at No. 20 Southern New Hampshire to open the season, currently sit at No. 15 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division II Poll.

UMass Lowell (13-4-4 last season) was ranked No. 8 in the NSCAA preseason poll on Aug. 11, and is currently receiving votes.

The River Hawks and Golden Lions have developed a simmering rivalry, which took shape in the 2003 season when Dowling defeated UMass Lowell, 2-0, in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinal in Oakdale, NY.

Since, UMass Lowell has gone 1-4-1 over the last six meetings, the sole victory coming in the 2007 regular season opener (3-2) in Lowell.

The River Hawks are hoping for an encore.

“We know they have an outstanding team and they got a great result at Southern New Hampshire this weekend,” said UMass Lowell head coach Bryan Scales, in his first season. “They are a dangerous team. They can score from a number of dangerous positions.”

Dowling leads the all-time series 6-1-2.

Last year, the River Hawks suffered a 1-0 loss at Dowling to open the season. The two met again in Oakdale, NY, in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinal/East Region Championship where forward Lamine Traore came off the bench to score a shock goal in the final minute of double overtime.

UMass Lowell had a host of chances in both halves, including a header by Jamie Wangia early in the first half which caromed off the left post.

Dowling returns 11 players from last year’s squad which reached the NCAA Championship match for the second time in three years. The Golden Lions, who won the 2006 NCAA title, lost in the final to Cal State-Dominguez Hills, 3-0.

UMass Lowell returns 16 veterans and six starters from 2008, including All-NE-10 goalkeeper Ryan Richards (Holden, MA) and defender Rudy Kocandrle (Northboro, MA).

The River Hawks are fresh off a 3-1 exhibition loss at Dartmouth, ranked no. 17 in the NSCAA Division I Preseason Poll, last week.

“I think this game will give us important information about our team,” said Scales. “It’s almost like the Dartmouth scrimmage. We will be under pressure and constantly tested, but we feel we can hold our own.”

The River Hawks return home next Wednesday to host Dominican (7:00).