Tuesday, September 16 vs. Central Connecticut State University [7 p.m.] Cushing Field Complex: Lowell, Mass.
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Friday September 19 at Dartmouth College [7 p.m.] Burnham Field, Hanover, N.H.
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LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell men's soccer team looks to get back on track with two games this week, including the home opener against Central Connecticut State University.

After a six-game road trip to start the season, which included two neutral site games at the University of Vermont, the River Hawks are looking forward to playing at home for the first time in 2014.

"It's been a long three weeks for us on the road, and it will be good for the guys to play in front of their friends and family."
UMass Lowell suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of the Bryant Bulldogs and a 2-1 overtime loss to Northeastern last week.

Figueroa knows that this week holds more competitive tests for his team as the non-conference schedule winds down.

"Central Connecticut is coming off consecutive loses, but they were picked to finish first in the NEC preseason poll for a reason, so we will need to be at our best tomorrow night."

As for the game on Friday, Figueroa also knows it will be tough, serving as a home opener for Dartmouth.

"Dartmouth plays in the very competitive Ivy League and will be a battle for our boys. They will be playing in their home opener, so that will be an exciting environment to play in."

River Hawk Leaders:
Wuilito Fernandes leads the River Hawks with three goals for six points. Guilherme Rodrigues has dished out two assists. Austin Kroll has 34 saves and one shutout. 

The Opponents
Central Connecticut State University (1-2)
The Blue Devils enter the matchup after losing their previous two games, getting outscored, 7-4. Keir Hannity leads the team with two goals and three others have one each. Josef Abele and Nick Velleca have both spent time in net, with Abele playing two games and earning the win. Abele has five saves in 180 minutes, and enters the matchup with a 1.50 goals against average and a .625 save percentage.

CCSU leads the all-time series 4-1, with a 1-0 win in last year's meeting.

Dartmouth College (1-2)
Chad Riley's squad will host the River Hawks for his team's home opener. The Big Green suffered losses to #2 Notre Dame and #12 Indiana before defeating Hofstra. Alex Adelabu, Giorgio Gorini, and Robin Alnas are the goal scorers for Dartmouth, with one goal each. Stefan Cleveland has made all three starts in net, with James Hickok coming in for relief in two games. Cleveland has made six saves with a goals against average of 2.00, and a save percentage of .600.

This marks the first meeting between the two teams.