(.PDF) | Interview with Head Coach Joel Bancroft | Photos 

BROOKLINE, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's soccer team turned in a determined effort but dropped the season opener to Northeastern University, 3-0, in a non-conference match Friday night at Parsons Field in Brookline, Mass. 

The game was the season opener for both schools and the first for UMass Lowell Head Coach Joel Bancroft.

"The first 10-12 minutes was a bit helter-skelter, but after that the kids settled in," said Bancroft.  "They weathered the storm and had several good opportunities."

It was the missed opportunities that can be frustrating for the team and the coach.

"When you play a team like Northeastern, one of the best in the region, you have to capitalize," said Bancroft.  "If you allow them to hang around; they make you pay."

That was exactly what happened.  Northeastern broke the stalemate in the 31st minute of play.  Hannah Lopiccolo hit the back of the net redirecting a goal mouth crossing pass from Kayla Cappuzzo.

It was 1-0 at the half, but the River Hawks never got any closer.  Northeastern added two second half goals.

The home team doubled its lead in the 67th minute of play.  Lopiccolo played the role of villain a second time, again, converting a pass from Cappuzzo at the right of the goal front.

Carina Deandreis provided all the insurance the defending Colonial Athletic Association champs needed adding a goal, drilling a shot off the right post and into the net, in the 87th minute.  It was unassisted.

Despite the loss Bancroft was upbeat.  He found a lot to like on the pitch.

"I liked the athleticism, we matched them well," said Bancroft.  "Our fitness was as good if not better and a lot ogf first year players stepped up.  The future looks bright, we were able to compete and, really, just not finish."

Northeastern outshot UMass Lowell 17-5, and had an edge in shots on goal, 9-2.  River Hawk senior goalkeeper Jill Carlson (Lexington, Mass.) made six saves.  

The River Hawks, after a day of rest, return to action Sunday, August 24th at 1 p.m., when they host Siena College in the Cushing Field Complex opener.