BOSTON – Following a 1-0-1 opening week for the UMass Lowell men's soccer team, junior goalkeeper JR Gawel (Leonardtown, Md.) was named America East Defensive Player of the Week, and freshman midfielder Matteo Costa (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) was named the America East Rookie of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday afternoon.
 
Gawel, who started in net in both games, made six saves while allowing only one goal in his River Hawk debut, helping lead the squad to a 1-1 draw against Lafayette. The Maryland native followed with an even more impressive performance Sunday against CCSU, making three saves to shutout the Blue Devils and earn a 2-0 victory.

For his efforts, Gawel was also named the River Hawk of the Week. The "River Hawk of the Week" is chosen in voting by the UMass Lowell Athletic Communications staff. It honors the top athlete, male or female, based on performance during the previous week of competition.
 
Costa, meanwhile, earned the start in his River Hawk debut, totaling 74 minutes and playing a key role in UMass Lowell's 1-1 tie against Lafayette. Three days later, the midfielder earned the start again and tallied his first career point, assisting on the team's second goal of the afternoon to help seal the 2-0 win.
 
The River Hawks return to action on Thursday, August 29, when they hit the road for the first time this season to battle the Saint Peter's Peacocks. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Joseph J. Jaroschak Field in Jersey City, N.J.