Box Score | Highlights


LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell Women's Soccer team showed signs of growth, but felt some growing pains as it dropped a hard fought 2-1 final to Delaware State, Friday night,  at the Cushing Field Complex.
 
"We have really bright moments and then we have really dark ones," said UMass Lowell Head Coach Joel Bancroft.  "We just have to find more consistency."
 
The River Hawks had some terrific moments dominating the stat sheets, outshooting the Hornets 27-7 and holding a 6-0 edge in corner kicks, but came up short as they hit three posts and had a goal nullified by an off side call.
 
"We're never going to be perfect, soccer is a game of errors," said Bancroft.  "We need to have all the pieces fit together and that's challenging and going to take a little bit longer."
 
With the loss, UMass Lowell's record drops to 0-3-0.  Delaware State picked up its first win of the season to move to 1-3-0.
 
The River Hawks jumped on the board first, finding pay dirt in the 22nd minute.  Sophomore Rachel Morrier (Plaistow, N.H.) drilled the ball into the left corner of the net from inside the box after settling down a pass from junior Andrea Morrow (West Boylston, Mass.)  The goal was Morrier third in as many games.
 
"She's been in these moments," said Bancroft.  "She responds very well to them."
 
The visitors leveled the score in the 30th minute of play.  Samantha Bahr scored on a crossing pass from Ayanna Smith. 
 
"We have been far too charitable in our first three matches," said Bancroft.  "The teams we play don't need our charity, we are going to have to rectify that."
 
It was the first goal of the season for the Hornets who were playing their fourth game of the year.  it would not be there last.
 
Delaware State scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the 52nd minute of play.  Taylor Love knocked the ball into the net following a scramble after a free kick.
 
The River Hawks appeared to tie the game in the closing minutes.  Morrier drilled a free kick off the crossbar and junior Carolyn Ragon (Melrose, Mass.) banged home the rebound setting off a premature celebration.  Appearances can be misleading, Ragon was ruled off side.
 
"It's all part of the growing process," said Bancroft.  "Some times it's painful, but you've got to stay the course."
 
The River Hawks return to action, and head out on the road for the first time this season, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., when they face Holy Cross at Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium in Worcester.  UMass Lowell will return to the friendly surroundings of the Cushing Field Complex on Friday September 11, 4:00 p.m., when they host Lafayette.