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SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The UMass Lowell men's soccer team saw its two-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the Bryant University Bulldogs, in a 1-0 loss on a gloomy, overcast afternoon.

The first half ended with the River Hawks (2-3) having the better opportunities, but the Bulldogs (2-3) capitalized in the 45th minute on a goal from Brett Larocque.

Earlier in the half, Guilherme Rodrigues (Lowell, Mass.) had the first quality chance of the game when his shot got past the Bryant keeper, but the ball hit the right post. Joel Rodriguez (Meriden, Conn.) had his one-on-one opportunity turned aside by Nick Stewart, 10 minutes later in the 31st minute.

The River Hawks had numerous chances to tie up the game in the second half, but could not find the net. In the 61st minute, Carlos Ruiz (East Boston, Mass.) had a free kind bend wide, and two minutes later Homero Morais (Somerville, Mass.) let go a shot that was saved by Stewart. Guilherme Desousa (Everett, Mass.) fired a rocket in the 81st minute that led to an UMass Lowell corner kick but the Bulldogs were able to clear the ball out.

This game marked the third loss in which the River Hawks have yet to score a goal in, but Head Coach Christian Figueroa is not worried about the lack of production before his team begins play against America East foes. 

"A lot of it does come down the chemistry right now, we've got a lot of new faces and we're still trying to find our way. The important thing for us to realize right now is that this is still all preparation for conference play."

Bryant outshot the River Hawks 16-11. Morais had a team-high three for UMass Lowell.

Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) stood big in net making six saves, with four in the second half to keep the River Hawks in the game.

Figueroa has been impressed with his young keeper so far this year. "Austin has done well so far, the confidence is continuing to grow each week. We still have some things we're trying to pick at him a little bit, but he's certainly done a good job for us in there.

Stewart also made six saves for the Bulldogs.

The River Hawks take on the Northeastern Huskies on September 13, before taking the turf of the Cushing Field Complex for the home opener on Sept 16.