(Photo courtesy of UML Athletics) “UML player handles the ball”
Jake Messer
Connector Editor
On Saturday, Sept. 28, the River Hawks defeated UAlbany 2-0, giving the team their first win in America East conference play since 2021.
“It’s a roller coaster of emotions,” said Head Coach Kyle Zenoni after the win. “We got the monkey off of our back getting our first win in conference play this season.”
This victory is a step in the right direction for the men’s soccer team, as the previous two seasons saw the River Hawks end the season in the basement of the conference, finishing with two wins a piece each season.
“I’m really proud of the guys and how much they work,” said Zenoni. “The process over the last couple of years has led us to where we are now. We know we can compete and today was a nice way to show it.”
Flipping the script this season, the River Hawks have six wins thus far and look poised to clinch a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2019.
The reason for the team’s startling success this season is a stellar attack, which is led by graduate student Guillermo Frances Poquet, senior Yanis Lakhlifi and junior Oliver Holmstrom.
These three have been putting on a show so far. Through 10 games, they have scored a combined nine goals and connected for two assists, giving them one of the most potent attacks in the America East this season.
Holmstrom in particular has been the man for the big occasion, with all three of his goals being game-winning goals. Clutch winners against Central Connecticut State, Saint Peters and Long Island University have given the River Hawks three out of their six victories.
Another reason the River Hawks have been so successful this season is the play of junior goalkeeper JR Gawel, who has been on fire since the start of the season.
In the nine games he has played in, he has logged a 0.78% save percentage, turning away 39 shots and keeping his team in the game, holding down the fort in between the pipes.
His play, which has been amongst the best in America East this season, coupled with a potent attack force, has the River Hawks flying for the first time in over five years.
Three years ago Zenoni took over as Head Coach of this team, and as previously mentioned, wasn’t always smooth sailing. However, this season it seems it has finally clicked, and the team has fully bought into his philosophy.
“It’s the guys that I started with in year one, year two and now year three have shown great growth,” said Zenoni. “I think it’s just an understanding of how to play as a team, we fight really hard for each other and we want to win games. It’s a good group of guys, they deserve these results.”
Looking ahead at the upcoming matchups this October, the River Hawks look to continue to build on a strong season at home against Bryant on Saturday, Oct. 12. They then travel to New York to play Binghamton on Oct. 19. They then return home to Lowell to play NJIT on Oct. 26.
With much of the season still left to play, the River Hawk’s toughest matchups still lie ahead. Can they rise and contend for the regular season championship, or will they taper off and fight for a spot in November’s playoffs? Only time will tell.
