Just two days after getting shut out by Stony Brook, the Seton Hall men’s soccer team (1-2-0) saw its solid defensive effort come up short in a `1-0 loss at UMass Lowell (3-0-0) Friday night thanks to a 98th-minute golden goal.
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Photo Courtesy of SHU Athletics[/caption]
The Pirates held the game to a scoreless draw through the 90-minute regulation period thanks to their defense. Seton Hall was outshot by a 14-9 margin, with the River Hawks putting five shots on target. Despite the nine shots from the Pirates, none forced a save from UMass goalie Austin Kroll.
River Hawk Wuilito Fernandes scored the lone goal of the match at the end of the first overtime period, overcoming Seton Hall’s defense and holding firm against Pirate advances. Fernandes made a run through the right side of the box and converted on a feed from Ivan Abramovic, tucking a hard shot past Pirates goalkeeper Julian Spindler.
Spindler made four saves on the night, none better than a diving effort on a direct free kick in the 44th minute.
The Pirates’ best chance of the night came late in the 72ndminute when Brandon Sabinsky made a run up the right side of the pitch. He sent in a cross to Jonathan Jimenez in the box, but his header hit the crossbar and went out of play.
The Pirates also missed a great opportunity in the 78th minute when Andres Arcila sent his attempt over the goal. Before forcing overtime, UMass Lowell nearly scored with 40 seconds remaining, but the Pirates back line cleared the ball.
All nine of Seton Hall’s shots came from sophomore Arcilla (6) and freshman Jimenez (3). Pedro Neto made his first start of the season and played all 98 minutes for the Hall. Additionally, a season-high total of seven Pirates played the full match.
The Pirates will return to Owen T. Carroll Field for their next match on Monday night when Pennsylvania comes to South Orange at 7 p.m.
Bobby Bevilacqua can be contacted by email at robert.bevilacqua@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @rpb725.
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