Lowell, Mass. – The UMBC men's soccer team secured a much-needed 2-0 victory against the UMass Lowell River Hawks in an America East matchup on Saturday evening at Cushing Field.Senior defender
Ricky Schissler and junior forward
Brady Geho provided the goals, while the defense remained strong throughout the match.
"Tonight, the guys worked tirelessly for each other and delivered a solid performance against a quality, well-coached team," stated UMBC Head Coach
Anthony Adams.
UMBC (5-6-3, 1-3-1) secured the only goal they would need in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error right in front of the UMass Lowell goal. Fifth year senior
Kofi Amoah initiated the play from his own 35-yard line, sending a through ball down the right sideline to graduate midfielder
Branden Johns near midfield. Johns made a powerful run into the top of the box and crossed the ball in front of the net for Geho. However, a defender misplayed the ball, allowing Schissler to slide in and tap the loose ball through the legs of River Hawks' goalie Jorge Otega from three yards out.
Geho added some insurance for the Retrievers in the 67th minute with an impressive individual effort, recording his team-leading fifth goal of the season. Junior defender
Yigit Kilic delivered a free kick from the 50-yard line into the left side of the box. Geho controlled the ball at the top left corner of the box, spun around a defender, and unleashed a rocket over Otega's shoulder into the near side of the net.
UMBC's defense effectively frustrated the River Hawks (7-5-2, 2-2-1) all evening, as the hosts struggled to create scoring opportunities and managed only two shots on goal. Senior goalie
Emigdio Tormo Lopez made two saves and aggressively intervened to break up a couple of potentially dangerous crosses.
Geho and Schissler have each scored in consecutive games, tallying in the 3-3 draw at George Washington last Tuesday.
The Retrievers are now tied with NJIT for the final playoff berth in the America East Tournament, with just two games remaining in the regular season.
UMBC will host Binghamton this Friday evening for Senior Night.
