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Men’s soccer falls to Northeastern 2-1 in OT

BROOKLINE, Mass. – The UMass Lowell men’s soccer team lost 2-1 in overtime to the Northeastern Huskies, in a rain-soaked contest.

Just over a minute into the first period a shot from the right wing was deflected by Ackim Mpofu in front, and found its way into the net.

Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde) gave the River Hawks (2-4) the 1-0 lead in the 64th minute off a Homero Morais (Somerville, Mass.) assist. Fernandes gathered the ball at the 18-yard box and sent a bending shot past the keeper and into the right corner.

As the clock was winding down, Northeastern (2-3) applied the pressure and in the 88th minute Brad Fountain tied the score on a rocket from 24 yards out.

Despite the result Head Coach Christian Figueroa was proud of the effort the team put forth with some of the players getting some much needed rest.

“The boys played well, in the second half they came out and played a lot better. We had some new faces out there for us, and they did well for us. It shows that we’re deeper and makes things more competitive for us. The older guys were inspired seeing the younger guys performing.”

Throughout the night Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) was in the right place and making key saves to keep the game in favor of the River Hawks. He ended the game with nine saves, including a leaping save in the 18th minute to knock the ball over the crossbar and a diving save on a ball that would have given the Huskies the lead in the 50th.

Northeastern outshot UMass Lowell 22-11, with 14 in the second half and the only shot in the extra period. Fernandes had a team-high four shots, and Morais added three.

The River Hawks return to action on September 16 as they host Central Connecticut State University at 7 p.m. for the home opener.