STONY BROOK, N.Y. –  A Carlos Ruiz (East Boston, Mass.) goal late in the first half was the difference as the UMass Lowell men's soccer team defeated the Stony Brook Seawolves 2-1, in America East play.

"Our boys showed a lot of character tonight. Stony Brook is a tough team to play and they can really break you down on your side of the field, as they showed with the early goal. For us to bounce back and score that equalizer a few minutes after showed a lot of poise and character for our boys," said Head Coach Christian Figueroa.

The Seawolves took the 1-0 lead in the 19th minute off a rocket from 25-yards out off the foot of Favio Sbarra.

UMass Lowell (5-8-1, 2-1-1) tied the score in the 24th minute with Wuilito Fernandes' (Praia, Cape Verde) fourth goal the season. A deflected ball went to his feet, and the sophomore put the ball into the open net.

With the clock winding down in the first half Ruiz stepped up to fire in a free kick and took full advantage. His shot avoided he wall and headed straight for the left post where Tom McMahon couldn't reach.

"Carlos made the decision to have an opportunity on goal and it paid off. He put it where the goalie could do nothing about and clearly it was the best decision", Figueroa added.

The River Hawks defense played strong throughout the second half, and with a strong  performance by Kroll and key blocks kept Stony Brook out of the net.

The best chance for the Seawolves (3-10-1, 1-3-0) in the second half came in the 65th minute, Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) made a point-blank save on a shot from Fernando Wadskier from eight-yards out.

UMass Lowell outshot Stony Brook 18-15, with Fernandes leading the charge with seven on his own.

Kroll made six saves for his fifth win of the season, and Tim McMahon made eight saves for the home team.

The River Hawks play their last non-conference game of the season on October 22 with a home contest against NJIT at 7 p.m.