Baltimore, MD-Freshman striker Derek McElligott (Greater Grace Christian Academy/Baltimore, MD) erupted for three second half goals and added an assist as UMBC (5-2-1, 2-1 NEC) blanked Central Connecticut (3-4, 0-2), 4-0, in a Northeast Conference match-up.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, McElligott struck quickly, just 1:07 into the second half. Senior James Hamilton's free kick was on target, as the streaking McElligott headed it in from just inside the left post. The Blue Devils attempted to rally, but a turnover in their own end at 64:37 led to McElligott's second goal. Sophomore striker Franco Del Priore intercepted a throw-in deep in Central territory, and fed McElligott, who deked Blue Devil netminder Jeff Brunetti and scored into an unguarded net.
Less than four minutes later, at 68:42, McElligott beat his defender to a long ball, and was tackled in the box. But the loose ball found the foot of freshman striker George Bakoulas, who easily beat Brunetti for a 3-0 UMBC lead. Finally, at 82:16, McElligott completed the hat trick, again taking advantage of a Central misplay, and heading one in from close range.
UMBC netminder Brian Rowland earned his second shutout of the season, making six saves. Brunetti made three stops for Central, as UMBC outshot the visitors, 18-8. McElligott now has eight goals in his first eight collegiate games. He opened the season with a two-goal effort vs. Iona.
The Retrievers take on NEC rival Quinnipiac at home on Sunday
