BALTIMORE –  A goal by sophomore forward Matteo Samori in the 63rd minute led the UMBC men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Saint Peter's in front of 3,281 fans at Retriever Soccer Park on Monday evening.
 
"It was an amazing team goal," Samori said. "We worked it up well and got it to Ricky Schissler out wide. Ricky sent a perfect ball into the box, and it found my head. I was able to put it through the goalkeeper's hands. The crowd was unreal, and I went right to the stands to celebrate. It was an amazing experience."
 
The winning play started when sophomore forward Gunder Miller sent a through ball to the left corner for Schissler. The senior spun to elude a defender and lofted a great pass into the box for Samori, who was positioned at the seven-yard line. Samori headed the ball on target, and it went right through the legs of Peacocks' goalie Conrad Moritz, who made four saves.
 
UMBC goalie Emigdio Tormo Lopez made several crucial saves to keep Saint Peter's scoreless.
 
The Retrievers outshot the visitors 13-6 and attempted ten corner kicks during the game.
 
Saint Peter's nearly took the lead with 40:33 remaining when Tim Strele's shot was deflected just wide of the open net following a cross by Lex Vaughan.
 
UMBC had a great opportunity with 29:30 left when Samori sent a free kick into the box that squirted to junior Ryan Calheira. Calheira was all alone but he pushed the ball just wide of the far corner of the goal.
 
Both teams had several outstanding chances in the first half, including a header by Calheira that hit the crossbar just 1:15 into the match.
 
The attendance marked the second largest crowd in the history of Retriever Soccer Park. UMBC will return home on Friday evening to face Niagara.