The recent good form of UMBC men’s soccer team (7-4-4) came to an end as they fell to the Vermont Catamounts (9-6-0) 3-1 Saturday, Oct. 21. This contest was a key game as the America East conference draws to a close and both teams try to secure a good position in the AE standings. There is still time for the Retrievers to improve in their 2-2-1 conference record, but this loss in the team’s fifth conference game will hurt.
The Catamounts started quickly and took the lead only four minutes into the game as their second top scorer, Justin Freitas, hit a long shot from outside the box to beat freshman undecided major and goalie Ciaran O’Loughlin. Vermont dominated the game after that, having a further four shots in an effort to score a second goal.
UMBC got back into the game with a good equalizer in minute 22 when senior biology major Gregg Hauck fed an exquisite long through ball to junior David Harris, who finished coolly. Parity did not last, as just 21 seconds later, Justin Freitas again scored from 25 yards out following a long pass from midfield.
Head coach Pete Caringi tried to affect the game by sending on freshman undecided major and midfielder Matt Bailey as the Retrievers pushed for a second equalizer. However, Vermont extended the lead in minute 30 as their top scorer Geo Alves hit a low shot following a long cross into the six yard box.
In the second half, UMBC dominated Vermont in attack play and outshot them 10-6. Sophomore biology and psychology double major Colin Weyant and junior economics major Patrick Jean-Gilles both had two shots but the Retrievers could not get back into the game as the second half ended goalless. Vermont player Tom Cole saw a late red card.
UMBC will look to forget this game against Vermont, who has now clinched a spot in the AE tournament and secured second in AE standings. The Retrievers look to improve their record in the final away game of the season against Hartford on Oct. 28.
