Towson, MD - - - UMBC junior midfielder Esther Juretzka scored her second career goal in the opening half but the host Towson Tigers scored six unanswered markers and went on to an 8-1 victory on Thursday evening at Tiger Field.
 
The hosts scored a pair of goals in the first eleven minutes of the contest, but UMBC (2-3) got right back into the match in the 19^' on a hustle play deep in Towson's territory. Senior forward Meghan McKye won a loose ball along the endline before she was able to locate Juretzka, who was free at the top of the center of the box. Juretzka then snuck a low shot into the right-corner of the goal past the keeper, Riley Melendez, who made a diving attempt to her left.
 
The Tigers (4-0) struck just four minutes later to grab a 3-1 advantage. Senior forward Demi Pierre received a feed from senior midfielder Phoebe Canoles (2 goals, 3 assists) and beat UMBC junior keeper Abbey Cowles from eight yards out.
 
Senior forward Jasmine Hamid, who scored four times, then tallied a pair of goals in a span of twenty-seven seconds to extend Towson's lead to 5-1 with 13 minutes left in the first half.
 
Hamid opened the second half with her third straight goal in the 51^st minute to put the game out of reach.
 
The Retrievers had a few solid scoring chances as they continued to fight in the second half. Freshman forward Peyton Schenning had a good opportunity inside the box but her well-struck attempt was blocked by a defender with 25:15 left. Junior Bella Roppolo was denied on a free kick in the 70' as Melendez (4 saves) came up with a quality stop.
 
Towson outshot the Retrievers by an 18-14 margin and corner-kicks were even at four.

"Towson was proficient and dangerous around goal today and I applaud them for their efforts," stated UMBC head coach Rick Stainton. "We did not perform our best tonight and we must understand that every opportunity provided requires our best.  I believe it's within this team and as tough as tonight wss, we will learn and respond in a positive manner. The character of this team is incredible and not one of us is taking this lightly. I have no doubt that we will work towards solutions and continue the progress we have had. It's a bump in the road but we'll continue the journey."
 
UMBC will host George Washington this Sunday at 4:00 p.m.