Thursday, October 16 at UMBC (7 P.M.) at Retriever Soccer Park, Cantonsville, Maryland
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UMass Lowell Women's Soccer team looking to extend its modest unbeaten streak to three games as it journeys to Cantonsville, Maryland, Thursday (7 P.M.), for a meeting with UMBC, the defending America East Tournament Champions.
 
"It comes down to execution and intensity," said Head Coach Joel Bancroft.  "If those things are not there, nothing else matters."
 
The River Hawks, who are 5-8-1 overall and 2-2-1 in conference play, have played their best soccer at the Cushing Field Complex. They have lost only two of six home games, winning three and tying one.  UMBC is 9-3-2 overall and 1-1-2 in conference play.  The Retrievers have been tenacious at home with a 5-1-1 record in Cantonsville.
 
The River Hawks come into the match following a come-from-behind tie against Albany and a dramatic double overtime victory on the road at the University of Vermont.  The road win is notable in that it was the team's second in seven road outings.  The team, at times, had struggled away from the Cushing Field Complex, but the win in Vermont can change the mindset.
 
"It helps build confidence," said Bancroft.  "You can talk all you want about developing confidence, but there is no substitute for actually achieving."
 
There is also the question of formations, UMBC plays a 4-4-2 while the River Hawks prefer a 4-3-3.
 
"You have to adapt and overcome," said Bancroft.  "The team that wins is the team that can impose its will on the other."
 
 
Last Time Out
UMass Lowell defeated Vermont, 1-0  (2OT)
Freshman Delaney Savacool (Toms River, N.J.) scored the game's only goal in the second overtime to give the River Hawks a 1-0 victory against a Vermont team that had lost only once at home.  Goalkeeper Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.) turned in a strong seven save performance.
 
UMBC defeated Maine, 1-0
Like the River Hawks, UMBC was a 1-0 winner.  The victim was Maine.  Senior midfielder Paige Preston had the game winning goal in the 48^th minute of play.  Keeper Jen Nance had one save in the contest in recording her sixth shutout.
 
The Opponent
UMBC (9-3-2 / 1-1-2)
UMBC, the defending America East Tournament Champions, is one of the conference preseason favorites.  They have won eight of their ten non-conference games and have dropped only one of their last seven contests.  The Retrievers have a 1-1-1 record against common opponents, Delaware State, Vermont and Stony Brook..  The River Hawks are 3-0-0 against that shared opposition.
 
The Series
The two clubs have met only once in the past, and that was last year and it was memorable for the River Hawks.  UMass Lowell defeated UMBC, 3-2, in overtime for what was the team's first Division I victory.  Samantha Barbeito scored the winner on a header.
 
Just for Kicks…
Freshman Shannon Groffie (Toms River, N.J.) leads the team in scoring with a goal and six assists for eight points.  Sophomore Taylor Chianese has found the back of the net most often with three goals.  She had the game winning goals against Delaware State and St. Bonaventure.  Senior captain Sarah Raye (Salem, Mass.) and senior Emily Bracken (Bridgewater, Mass.) each have added two goals. 
 
Guarding the Nest…
Senior goalkeepers Jill Carlson, who picked up wins against Siena, St. Bonaventure and Vermont, carries a 1.64 goals against average and a .770 save percentage into the match.  Senior keeper Jane Hatzikonstantis (Tewksbury, Mass.) has seen limited action, but with success.  She has a 2.37 goals against average and a .615 save percentage, got credit for the victory against Delaware State after Carlson sustained an injury during the first half.