PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The UMass Lowell men's soccer team (2-8-1, 1-2 America East) fell, 4-0, at Drexel (5-4-1, 2-1-1 CAA) on Saturday afternoon.
 
UMass Lowell was able to outshoot its host, 11-9, in the outing, though much of the River Hawk offensive pressure came late. Sophomores Reziq Banihani (Irbid, Jordan) and Victor Viana (South Dennis, Mass.) led the squad, each with a pair of shots. Senior goalkeeper Christian Miesch (Ried-Brig, Switzerland) totaled two saves through 90 minutes of action.

"We need to be better about finishing our chances," said Head Coach Christian Figueroa. "Had we scored our first good look early in the game, everything could have gone differently. Instead we are left with giving up a goal against the run of play and having to dig ourselves out of a hole."
 
Defensive possession and strategy led to few shots between both teams in the opening frame. Just eight total chances were taken, with the Dragons leading 5-3 in total attempts going into the half.
 
The River Hawks were able to force three corners within the first 45 minutes. However, tight defending and movement inside the box allowed Drexel to clear the ball away on each of the attempts.
 
Dragons' forward Chris Donovan scored twice in the first half. The first followed a River Hawk free kick that was intercepted, resulting in a score in the 16th minute. Not much later, Drexel utilized its own free kick to bolster a move into the UMass Lowell third and Donovan added to the lead.
 
Later in the match, Donovan netted his third score of the game to complete the hat trick in the 61st minute and put Drexel up, 4-0.
 
The River Hawks diverted all focus towards the attack for the remainder of the match. All eight of UMass Lowell's second half shots came following the final Drexel goal. The team's best opportunity followed a corner kick in the 82nd minute when sophomore Marin Mamut (Split, Croatia) fired a shot low that was smothered by the Drexel keeper.
 
The River Hawks will now continue their road stretch on Wednesday, October 13 when they visit UAlbany for a 7 p.m. tilt