HAMDEN, Conn. – Despite turning in a strong second half, the UMass Lowell men's soccer team (1-1-1) was handed its first loss of the season, 1-0, at Quinnipiac (2-0-0) on Friday afternoon.
 
The River Hawks outshot their hosts, 13-12, on the day, including an 8-5 advantage in the second half. However, a QU tally early in the first proved to be the difference maker.
 
"We created our own problems in the first half, especially early in the game" said Head Coach Christian Figueroa. "Credit Quinnipiac for capitalizing on our mistake and making us have to chase the game early on."
 
Senior Borna Miklic (Kutina, Croatia) rattled off a team-best five shots to pace the River Hawks, while junior Sancho Moroto Tobias (Alcobendas, Madrid) and sophomore Victor Viana (South Dennis, Mass.) each added three. Senior goalkeeper Christian Miesch (Ried-Brig Switzerland) totaled a season-high five saves in the decision.  
 
The Bobcats registered three shots in the opening 12 minutes, capped off by the match's lone goal. On that play, David Bercedo broke away from the pack for a one-on-one with Miesch and was able to tuck a shot inside the right post.
 
Miklic gave the River Hawks a chance to even the board in the 29^th minute, but he fired high. Later in the half, Moroto Tobias struck a hard ball on target to the lower left corner, but it was knocked away by Quinnipiac's keeper to send the visitors into the break trailing, 1-0.
 
Coming out of halftime, UMass Lowell turned up the pressure with a pair of chances in the first six minutes. The teams then traded attempts in the second before the River Hawks came close once again to extending the game, this time in the 87^th minute on back-to-back opportunities from Miklic and Moroto Tobias.
 
The River Hawks continue their three-game road swing on Tuesday, September 7 when they visit Holy Cross.