FINAL SCORE: No. 19 UMass Lowell 2, Vermont 0
LOWELL, Mass. – Despite winning the shots battle 15-6, Vermont could not pull off the upset at 19th-ranked UMass Lowell as the River Hawks handed the Cats a 2-0 defeat in the America East opener on Saturday night. UVM drops to 6-3 and UML improves to 6-1-2.
 
RELATED LINKS
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Box Score
 
COACH'S QUOTE
 "We played very well tonight," head coach Rob Dow said. "Our team deserves a lot of credit for executing a good game plan. However, we didn't finish our chances and credit to UMass Lowell for finishing their chances."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The River Hawks drew first blood in the 10th minute. Stanley Alves marched upfield from the right side and sent a cross to the edge of the box. Renato Kauzlaric got the extra step ahead of UVM's backline and lined the go-ahead score inside of the near post.
• The Catamounts tried to find the equalizer near halftime. Justin Freitas dished a nice touch pass in front of the net for Geo Alves, who tried a quick one-timer but his shot was right in line with UML keeper Patrik Gujic (6 saves).
• Early in the second half, Freitas created space for himself in front of the net and sent a strike on frame but a River Hawk defender stepped in the way and headed ball the away at the last second.
• On UML's ensuing offensive possession, Jakov Basic forced UVM goalie Aron Runarrson (2 saves) to make a diving save with a live drive from close range. On the rebound, Basic gathered the loose ball and hooked a ball towards the far post but his attempt bounced wide of the upright.
• In the 57th minute, Alves eyed the tying score once again. The senior forward broke free for a quick breakaway from 20 yards out and chipped a shot over Gujic but his shot was too strong and sailed over the top right corner of the net.
• UMass Lowell added the insurance goal in the 78th minute with Mayele Malango's first goal of the year. Malango intercepted a pass by the Catamounts, then pushed forward and beat Runarsson with a low shot into the left side of the net. 

WHO'S NEXT
Vermont will continue conference play at UMBC next Saturday (Sept. 29). The opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Free live video will be available on AmericaEast.TV.
 
Able Paint Glass and Flooring is the presenting sponsor of the 2018 Vermont men's soccer season