BURLINGTON, Vt. – An early second half goal by Sancho Maroto Tobias (Alcobendas, Madrid) was not enough to secure a win for the UMass Lowell men's soccer team (4-10-1, 3-4 America East), as the squad dropped its penultimate match at Vermont (10-4-2, 5-1-1 AE) Thursday night, 3-1.
 
The Catamounts held the ball for most of the match, resulting in a 19-5 shot advantage. Sophomore Victor Viana (South Dennis, Mass.) led all River Hawks in attempts with three. Goalkeeper Christian Miesch (Ried-Brig, Switzerland) finished the night with three saves.
 
"It was a difficult game on the road that our guys handled pretty well when dealing with the direct play," said Head Coach Christian Figueroa. "Tough to lose guys to injuries at this time of year, but we'll regroup and prepare for Monday."
 
Both back lines were strong throughout the first 45 minutes of play, prohibiting the opposition from generating many quality chances to jump out to a lead. In the 17th minute of play Vermont earned a corner kick from the right spot and the UMass Lowell defense made quick work to clear the ball away.
 
The River Hawks' best chance to capitalize on possession came in the 26th minute where they earned a free kick on the left side of the penalty area. Viana looked to curl a shot into the corner, but the Vermont keeper was waiting to snatch the ball out of the air.
 
The Catamounts had their own free kick opportunity just 60 seconds later and were able to capitalize to take the lead. A cross sent in by Alex Nagy worked its way to the head of Matt Black, who connected with the ball and bounced it underneath the arms of Miesch to go up 1-0.
 
Following the break, the River Hawks fought for more control of the ball and took advantage early in the second frame. Damian Attidore (Weston, Mass.) fought off Catamount defenders deep in the zone near the end line and was able to deliver a quick pass to an awaiting Maroto Tobias. After receiving the ball, the forward applied a touch that was just enough to squeeze past the Vermont keeper and knot things up, 1-1, in the 55th minute.
 
After trading shots midway through the half, Vermont broke through on a cross put away again by Black for his second of the game in the 78th minute. The Catamounts would extend their lead to 3-1 just three minutes later, preventing a chance for a UMass Lowell comeback.
 
The River Hawks conclude the regular season with Senior Night on Monday, November 1, at 7 p.m. against New Hampshire.