Thursday, October 2 at the University of Hartford (6 P.M.) at the Yousuf Al-Marzook Athletic Field.
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UMass Lowell women playing their best soccer of the season visit the University of Hartford Thursday, October 2 at 6:00 P.M.
 
"Hartford is one of those programs with a long history," said UMass Lowell Women's Soccer Head Coach Joel Bancroft.  "They have the returning Offensive Player of the Year and they will present a unique challenge."
 
It is a challenge that the coach believes the team is ready for.  "Winning is a learned behavior," said Bancroft.  "The kids are figuring things out; they are defining who they are."
 
The River Hawks have won two in a row and produced their strongest offensive showing in Sunday's 3-1 win against Stony Brook.  Both wins came after tactical changes as the coaching staff employed a 4-3-3 formation.  The Stony Brook game also demonstrated a mental toughness that has developed as the season has progressed.
 
"That was a 1-1 game late," said Bancroft.  "But, we made plays and closed the door.  The kids are in a positive place in their mind set."
 
The River Hawks are 4-6-0 overall, 1-0-0 in America East Conference play.  Hartford is 5-2-3 / 1-0-0.  Three of Hartford' five wins have been by the score of 1-0.
 
Hartford is led by senior midfielder Chanel Johnson who has scored eight of the team's 16 goals.
 
"She's a big strong kid," said Bancroft.  "Our kids haven't faced that kind of opponent, so this will be on-the-job training."
 
Last Time Out
UMass Lowell defeated Stony Brook, 3-1
Freshman Sinead O'Callaghan (Braintree, Mass.) broke a 1-1 tie in the 78^th minute of play when she redirected a corner kick into the back of the net.  Senior Brittany Russo (Danvers, Mass.) provided the insurance goal in the 85^th minute.  Senior Emily Bracken earlier had opened the scoring in the third minute of play.  Senior goalkeeper Jane Hatzikonstantois (Tewksbury, Mass.)  was outstanding in goal making five saves en route to her second win of the season.
 
Hartford defeated Albany, 1-0
Johnson got the game's only goal in the 74^th minute of play.  Goalkeeper Jessica Jurg picked up the shutout as the Hawks outshot Albany 14-6. 
 
The Opponent
University of Hartford (5-2-3)
Hartford has lost only once in their last six outings 3-1-2.  The Hawks are not a stranger to low scoring affairs.  They have three 1-0 wins and two scoreless ties.
 
Johnson leads the team in scoring with eight goals and three assists for 19 points.  Sidney Spremullo has added four goals and four assists.   Jessica Jurg and Alison Koerkenmeier have shared the goalkeeping responsibilities.
 
Hartford was 11-6-3 / 5-3-0 a year ago.
 
 
The Series
UMass Lowell and Hartford have met just once before in their history.  That was a year ago when the Hawks defeated UMass Lowell, 4-0.
 
Just for Kicks…
Sophomore Taylor Chianese leads the team in scoring with three goals.  She had the game winning goals against Delaware State and St. Bonaventure.  Senior captain Sarah Raye (Salem, Mass.) has added two goals.  She found the back of the net in the River Hawk victories against Siena and Delaware State.  Freshman Shannon Groffie leads the team with five assists.
 
Guarding the Nest…
Senior goalkeepers Jill Carlson, who picked up wins against Siena and St. Bonaventure, carries a 1.73 (Tewksbury, Mass.) has seen limited action, but with success.  She has a 1.10 goals against average and a .769 save percentage, and wins against Delaware State and Stony Brook.