PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University men's soccer team fell to the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons, 4-0, in its Little East Conference (LEC) opener on Arold Field Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers created several chances against the preseason favorites in the first half to take the lead, but an own goal in the 25th minute put the Beacons out front. A second goal in the 41st minute extended the advantage to 2-0 into halftime. Plymouth State came out strong in the second half, forcing multiple saves from the opposing goalkeeper, who was able to keep the Panthers' pressure at bay.
Senior
Faisal Abdallah (Pembroke, N.H.) blasted a shot from outside the box that was spilt in front of goal, giving the Panthers a chance to cut the game to 2-1. It wasn't until a late penalty was awarded with 10 minutes left that the Beacons were able to put the game out of reach.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Parker Spaulding (Barre, Vt.) recorded six saves in the losing effort.
Plymouth State falls to 1-1-2 (0-1-0 LEC) on the season, as UMass Boston improves to 6-1-0 (1-0-0 LEC).
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 0, UMass Boston 4
- Plymouth State (1-1-2, 0-1-0 LEC)
- UMass Boston (6-1-0, 1-0-0 LEC)
How it Happened:
- Plymouth State started with a better run of play, putting its opponent under pressure through the first 20 minutes.
- UMB found fortune when a cross from the left side deflected off a Panthers' defender and found the back of the net to put the Beacons up 1-0 in the 25th minute.
- The Beacons doubled their lead in the 41st minute to take a 2-0 advantage into halftime.
- UMB went up 3-0 in the 67th minute in response to the Panthers pushing numbers forward to close the gap.
- A converted penalty closed out the day in the 80th minute for the Beacons.
By the Numbers:
- UMB outshot the Panthers 19-9 in the contest.
- Both teams recorded four corner kicks on the day.
- Shots on goal were in UMass Boston's favor, 9-3.
- Plymouth State made six saves to UMB's 3.
- The Panthers hold a 23-11-6 record in the head-to-head matchup dating back to 1986.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State travels to non-conference opponent VTSU Johnson Badgers on Tuesday (Sept. 19) afternoon. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 4:00 p.m. on Minaert Field.
– 30 –
