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LOWELL, Mass. – Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde) scored the game-winning goal in the 98th minute, as the UMass Lowell men's soccer team prevailed 1-0 in overtime against the Seton Hall Pirates in the squad's home opener.
 
Fernandes gathered a pass from Ivan Abramovic (Zagreb, Croatia) inside the 18-yard box, and the senior slid the ball underneath a sliding Julian Splinder and into the back of the net to keep the River Hawks' winning streak alive.
 
"It was a tough one," remarked Head Coach Christian Figueroa. "I didn't think we played particularly well tonight, but it was nice to come away with the win. I thought we had to be a little more patient and we were in the second half, and were able to create more opportunities. Now it's time to build on that and get the bodies ready for Sunday."
 
UMass Lowell has now won its first three games of the season to extend the program's best start in the Division I era.
 
Both teams played a conservative, physical game with the River Hawks outshooting the Pirates 14-9. Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) recorded his 15th career shutout and 18th career win without having to make a save on the night, as shots on goal were 4-0 in favor of UMass Lowell.
 
The River Hawks had two chances to take the lead in the final minute of regulation, but Ivan Abramovic (Zagreb, Croatia) had his attempt knocked aside and Joe Kellett (Norfolk, Mass.) had the rebound cleared off the line by a defender.
 
In the 76th minute, Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde) sent a diving header inches wide of Splinder's right post. Moments before, Jonathan Jimenez sent a header off the crossbar for the Pirate's best chance of the night.
 
The hosts had both attempts on target in the first 45, and the best opportunity occurred when Jakov Basic (Zagreb, Croatia) sent a free-kick from 25-yards out and forced Spindler to make a diving stop in the 44th minute.
 
UMass Lowell returns to its home turf for a Sunday matinee matchup against St. Francis Brooklyn at 3:30 p.m. The program will host its Team IMPACT game and honor Ian Muiruri in a special pre-game ceremony on the field.