Box Score PDF


CANTONSVILLE, Md. –  The UMass Lowell Women's Soccer team battled but lost, 3-1, to pre-season favorite UMBC in an America East Conference match, Thursday night, at Retriever Soccer Park in Cantonsville, Md.

"This is going to be one game that, I hope, sits in the pit of our stomach for a long time," said UMass Lowell Head Coach Joel Bancroft.  "We were the better team for the first 55 minutes; we should have gotten some points."

The loss dropped the River Hawks' record to 2-3-1 in conference play and 5-9-1 overall.  UMBC, the defending America East Tournament champions, improves to 2-1-2 in conference play and 10-3-2 overall.

"By game 15 we have an expectation; we should win games like these," said Bancroft.  "There are no morale victories."

The first half was a defensive duel that sent the teams into the break still awaiting the game's first goal.  UMBC had a 5-4 shooting edge at the half, but UMass Lowell had an on-target edge 3-1.  The River Hawks would break the ice early in the second half, but UMBC would dominate on the scoreboard scoring three times in the final 45 minute session.

Freshman Laura Gagnon (Millville, Mass.) was the first to find the back of the net.  She headed home a crossing pass from Sophomore Taylor Chianese (Chepachet, R.I.) in the 52nd minute.  The goal was the first of her collegiate career.

"That was a combination of bravery and strength with a defender with her," said Bancroft.  "She rose up above the defender and headed it in."

It was 1-0, but the lead did not last long; the retrievers scored twice in a seven-minute 21-second span.

"UMBC made the most of their opportunities," said Bancroft.  "There was a ten minute period where we made mistakes and it was costly."

Amira Walcott evened the score in the 55th minute after collecting a pass from Destinee Morris.  Jessy Brown gave UMBC a lead they never gave back converting on a penalty kick after a handball was called in the box.

Paige Preston made the lead two scoring in the 70th minute.  She was assisted by Brown and Morgan Taylor.

UMBC had a shooting edge, 15-10 overall and 7-6 on target.  UMBC also had a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.

UMass Lowell senior goalkeeper Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.) made four saves.  Jen Nance guarding the Retriever net made five.

UMass Lowell will return home October 19, at 4:00 P.M., to host the University of Maine.