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BALTIMORE – Amongst his UMBC teammates, sophomore midfielder Ryan Becher (Hummelstown, Pa.) is a grizzled veteran.

Of the Retrievers that appeared in the Retrievers' 1-0 overtime win over UAlbany, only two – junior captains Jordan Ehart (Severna Park, Md./Mount St. Joseph) and Quantrell Jones (Baltimore, Md./Kenwood) have more collegiate playing experience than Becher.

So, when UMBC's multiple, yet talented first-year players have struggled to finish around the net, Becher probably figured it was his time to step up.

On just his second shot on goal of the season, Becher quickly ended overtime, heading in a Julian Conze (Telgte, Germany) direct kick just 57 seconds into the extra frame to give the Retrievers a hard-earned victory.

The Retrievers earned a critical America East victory, improving to 2-1-1 overall and 1-1-1 in a shortened league spring campaign. UAlbany fell to 0-4-1, 0-3-0.

UMBC celebrated the first appearance of some fans during the 2020-21 academic year as a small, but enthusiastic group of parents and fellow student-athletes enjoyed the nice weather and spirited competition.

The Retrievers dominated the first half, but were turned away from close range on three occasions in the first 11 minutes by UAlbany goalkeeper Carlos Tofern.

In the 53', freshman Kyle Waggoner (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) ripped a shot that shook the crossbar and the Great Danes took solace and started to turn the momentum. In the 72', UAlbany midfielder Haflidi SIgurdarson targeted the upper corner with a drive from just inside the box, but Jones leaped and tipped it just over the bar.

UMBC freshman Taylor Calheira (Towson, Md./Concordia Prep) set up the game-winning goal by drawing a foul 35 yards from goal. Conze's effort landed directly in the middle of the box and Becher headed it home for his fifth career goal.

UMBC outshot UAlbany, 14-9, for the game and improved to 2-0-1 in extra time this season.

Jones finished with four saves for UMBC, while Tofern stopped six Retrievers shots on goal.

The Retrievers travel to Binghamton for another league match-up next Friday, March 19 at 3:00 p.m.