NORTHAMPTON, MA (August 30, 2025) – UMass Boston women's soccer opened its 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 road victory over the Smith College bears, as senior striker Andrea Rivera (San Juan, P.R.) netted the game's only goal in the first half to give the Beacons the early advantage. 

The Beacons controlled much of the opening frame, registering five shots on target before breaking through in the 31st minute. Sophomore Sofia Schallmo (Norwood, Mass.) fired a strike that rattled off the woodwork. Rivera was there on the follow to bury the rebound and give UMass Boston the early advantage.

UMass Boston carried a 9-5 shot advantage into halftime, while the back line and first-year goalkeeper Janiya Matier (North Easton, Mass.) delivered a strong defensive effort to preserve the clean sheet. Matier faced just five shots, with only one finding the target. 

The Beacons added eight more shots in the second half, with Rivera and Schallmo leading the way with four attempts each. Matier finished her collegiate debut with four saves, anchoring a back line that kept Smith off the scoreboard to secure the season-opening shutout win.

UMass Boston returns to action on Wednesday, September 3, at 7:00 p.m. for the home opener at James Cotter Field against Russell Sage College.

--FOR THE TIMES--