BOSTON, Mass. (Oct. 7, 2026) - UMass Boston men's soccer (4-5-1, 1-2-1 LEC) fell 2-1 to the University of Southern Maine (4-4-4, 1-1-2 LEC) on Wednesday afternoon at BC High JV Field, dropping a hard-fought contest that was decided entirely in the first half despite the Beacons generating the better of the attacking play across 90 minutes.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Beacons outshot Southern Maine 15-11 on the afternoon and held a commanding 9-1 advantage in corner kicks, generating sustained pressure in the attacking third.
Southern Maine struck first in the 13th minute, finishing a low shot to the right off an assist to put the visitors ahead. The Huskies doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute following a free kick sequence, pushing the score to 2-0.
UMass Boston refused to fold. Eduardo Chirico (Minas Gerais, BR.) pulled one back in the 43rd minute, finishing a header high left off a well-placed assist from Parker Hamilton (Lexington, Mass.) to send the Beacons into the break with momentum and a 2-1 deficit. Chirico was the most active Beacon on the day, leading all players with five shots and one on goal across 90 minutes.
The second half brought renewed intensity and a golden opportunity to level the match. In the 56th minute, Ryan Lima (Minas Gerais, BR.) stepped to the spot after Southern Maine's Graver was called for a foul in the box, but Huskies goalkeeper Gabe Wagner came up with a crucial penalty save to preserve the lead. Lima had been a consistent threat, recording two shots and two shots on goal in 61 minutes of action.
The Beacons continued to press, with Rafael Gross (Minas Gerais, BR.) adding three shots — one on goal — over a full 90 minutes to keep Southern Maine's defense working.
The match was a physical affair from start to finish. Southern Maine committed 18 fouls and collected six yellow cards on the afternoon, while UMass Boston drew 11 fouls and received two cautions. The Beacons were caught offside four times as they pushed to stretch the Southern Maine backline in search of an equalizer.
UP NEXT:
UMass Boston men's soccer returns to BC High JV Field on Saturday, Oct. 10 to host Vermont State University Castleton in LEC action, beginning at 12:00 PM.
To stay up to date on all things UMass Boston Athletics, follow the Beacons on Instagram (@UMassBeacons), and X (UMassBostonAthletics), and read the latest stories and updates here at https://beaconsathletics.com
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