Box Score (PDF)

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Redshirt-freshman Ivan Abramovic (Zagreb, Croatia) scored his first two career goals and added an assist, as the UMass Lowell men's soccer team shutout the Monmouth Hawks, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon.The Hawks entered the matchup ranked No. 30 in the College Soccer News Poll. 
 
Abramovic became the first River Hawk to have two goals in a game since Homero Morais netted a pair in a 3-2 win against Stony Brook in 2013, and first player in the program to record five points in a contest in the Division I era.
 
"I thought it was good overall performance from the team," said Head Coach Christian Figueroa. "It's always tough playing two games in three days, so we needed to make sure we managed the team and execute the game plan to the best of our ability. I'm very pleased with the shutout on the road – the group worked together tirelessly to make that happen. We were able to score three quality goals, which was good to see with so little time together as a team. Now we have to take care of our bodies and get ready for Friday."
 
The River Hawks took a 1-0 lead on Abramovic's first career goal in the 20th minute, on the team's first shot on goal. The Zagreb, Croatia native gathered a loose ball in the box and beat Monmouth's keeper Chris Seager to the far post. Jakov Basic (Zagreb, Croatia) was credited with the helper, his first point in a UMass Lowell uniform.
 
The River Hawks doubled their lead nine minutes later with Wuilito Fernandes' (Praia, Cape Verde) second goal of the season. Abramovic collected his first assist on the play, as Fernandes took a shot from 15 yards out and slid it by the left post for the 2-0 buffer.
 
After hitting a post in the 25th minute, Abramovic would net his second goal in the 87th minute, as he collected a Joseph Conti (Annapolis, Md.) pass and let a shot go to the far post from just inside the 18-yard box for the visitors' third tally.

"Ivan had a strong and gritty performance in the heat," concluded Figueroa. "It was good to see him get on the scoresheet once again -- he certainly earned it."
 
Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) made two saves in each half to record his 13th career clean sheet, and 17th win to move into a tie for fourth all-time.
 
Both teams recorded 10 shots apiece, with UMass Lowell holding a slight, 5-4, edge in shots on goal. Abramovic had a game-high five shots, and Jake Areman had three for the hosts.
 
The River Hawks will be back in action on September 2 under the lights of Cushing Field for the first time this season, as the Seton Hall Pirates make the trek to Lowell for the 7 p.m. tilt.