LOWELL, Mass. – Jakov Basic's (Zagreb, Croatia) first-half freekick strike was the difference as the UMass Lowell men's soccer team blanked Massachusetts, 1-0, in the teams' season opener.
 
The senior sent his 22-yard shot into the upper left corner past the leaping keeper for his first goal of the season and the River Hawks fourth straight season-opening win.
 
"It was a good overall performance from the guys," commented Figueroa. "It's tough with such a short preseason to come together and find a way to win the early games, but our guys did a fantastic job in dealing with a tough Massachusetts team."
 
In his first action since 2016, goalkeeper Zach Rowell (Haverill, Mass.) recorded three saves for his first career shutout.
 
In a defensive second half, the Minutemen registered eight shots, but only reached the net. The visitors added three corners as well, but the River Hawks back line was up to the task. Massachusetts outshot the River Hawks, 11-8, but the hosts managed six corners to the visitors four.
 
UMass Lowell heads out on the road for a contest against Quinnipiac on August 27. The River Hawks hold a 3-1-4 advantage in the all-time series.