University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
3-4-2, 0-2-0
VCU
1-3-4, 1-0-1
VCU Tops Minutemen In Conference Home Opener
September 23, 2023 | Men's Soccer
An 88th minute goal gave the Rams a 1-0 advantage
AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts men's soccer team lost to VCU 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Rudd Field. The Rams were able to score a last minute goal to improve to 1-3-4 while the Minutemen fall to 3-4-2.
The Minutemen produced multiple scoring opportunities early on when Alec Hughes had a pair of shots in the 18th minute, forcing VCU goalkeeper John Ermini to make two of his four saves. Later in the half, Hughes had another a shot that was tracking the right corner but Ermini was able to get a glove on it in the 39th minute.
In the last five minutes of the half, the Rams applied the pressure by recording a pair of shots and taking three straight corners. However, the UMass defense kept VCU off the board thanks to a Nick Zambetti save and strong play inside the box.
In the second half, UMass had another pair of clear looks. Sophomore midfielder Aaron O'Malley put one just above the crossbar in the 59th minute while Aidan Kelly's shot from just inside the 18 almost caught the left corner in the 85th minute.
The Rams would go on to break the deadlock in the 88th minute as William Hitchcock put one in off a Gerardo Castillo corner. The Rams held an 11-5 corner kick advantage and their goal came on their final attempt.
Matt Zambetti recorded three saves while Alec Hughes was responsible for all four of the Umass' shots on goal to pace the Minutemen.
UMass return home to Rudd Field on Tuesday for a 4 p.m. kickoff against #17 Vermont.
For complete coverage of the UMass men's soccer team, follow the Minutemen on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @UMassMSoccer and online at www.UMassAthletics.com.
Team Stats
William Hitchcock (2)
Assisted By: Gerardo Castillo
GOAL by VCU Hitchcock, William Assist by Castillo, Gerardo.
87:25
