University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Fordham
Minutemen Downed By Fordham, 1-0
October 29, 2010 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 29, 2010
AMHERST, Mass. - The UMass men's soccer team (5-4-6, 4-1-1 A-10) suffered its first Atlantic 10 loss on Friday afternoon, 1-0, at the hands of the Fordham Rams (9-6-0, 4-2-0 A-10). One goal was the difference between the two squads, as the match was dead even until the 63rd minute, when John Niyonsaba scored the eventual game winner.
The first half was dead even with six shots a piece by UMass and Fordham. Chris Piekos and Fordham's Ryan Merra were solid between the pipes during the first 45 minutes of action, tallying two saves a piece.
The Minutemen's best opportunity of the first half came off a shot from Hellah Sidibe, which went just wide right of the goal. The freshman forward from Mali earned his first career start on Friday afternoon.
Striking at 63:38 in the second half was Niyonsaba, as he had an open net off a deflection. The midfielder eventually was able to get a swift shot that went past the diving Piekos to put the Rams up 1-0.
UMass had a late opportunity in the second half to tie the score at one a piece with a free-kick opportunity from about 20 yards in front of the Fordham goal. Ben Arikian took the shot that just missed the goal high.
Shots were even through the second half at four a piece for each squad, while neither goalkeeper tallied a second half save. Fouls totaled 13-9 against the Rams.
The Minutemen return to action on Sunday to face the La Salle Explorers at 1 pm. The home season finale will also mark Senior Day for the Minutemen.
