Massachusetts Picks Up First Shutout With 1-0 Victory Over UMass Lowell

Team	1	2	Final F
UMass Lowell	0	0	0
Massachusetts	0	1	1

UMass Lowell

Massachusetts

AMHERST, Mass. — The University of Massachusetts men's soccer program (2-1-1) recorded it's first shutout of the season, blanking UMass Lowell (1-2-1) 1-0 on Rudd Field on Wednesday afternoon.

For the second time in as many games, graduate transfer netted a goal, bringing his season total to two. First-year Jack Comey, making his first career start, also secured his first assist of his career.

Goalkeeper Dean Linden continued his strong beginning to the season, recording four saves, including a perfectly-read penalty kick save to keep UMass Lowell off the board. Linden secured his first clean sheet of the season, and brought his career total to four.

Taylon Gayle starred for the defensive unit down the stretch for the Minutemen, keeping the ball away from the River Hawks with timely clears, including what proved to be the final play of the contest, baiting an offensive opponent into a kick out of bounds and flipping the ball to UMass with under 30 seconds remaining.

Breaking Down The Action

In a defensive battle to open the game, Jack Comey registered the first shot on goal between either team late in the 25th minute, but found the awaiting hands of Lowell goalkeeper Alvaro Medrano.
David Street followed suit with a shot in the 27th minute but was also saved to keep the contest at 0-0.
Dean Linden faced his first shot on goal in the 34th minute, registering his first save and leaving the contest knotted at one.
With five seconds remaining in the half, Gainey attempted a shot that missed right, leaving the programs tied going into the break.
In the 49th minute, Lowell was awarded a penalty kick, but an impressive save by Linden kept the River Hawks at bay, collapsing on the ball and keeping Lowell off the board.
Six minutes of game time later, Comey blocked a clear attempt by Medrano, quickly finding a wide open Gainey who flicked a left-footed strike into the center of the net to give Massachusetts a 1-0 advantage.
In the following 16 minutes of action, the River Hawks physicality resulted in three yellow cards, including two just over a minute apart from each other, with the third coming in the 80th minute.
For the remaining ten minutes, the Minutemen executed a solid prevent defense, not allowing Lowell's offense to get set.
A quick defensive stop and clear by Taylon Gayle resulted in a throw in for Massachusetts with 26 seconds remaining, effectively ending the contest.

Up Next
The Minutemen return to action for a ranked match-up against No. 23 Princeton at home on Rudd Field in Amherst, Mass. on Monday, Sept. 7. Kick off is scheduled for 4p.m. with streaming on MSP+.

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