Box Score
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to UMass Lowell in the final game of the AstroTurf Brooklyn Bridge Cup on Sunday. After a scoreless first half, the Blackbirds fell behind when the River Hawks scored midway through the second half and could not come up with the equalizer.

LIU had a strong start in the first half, as freshman keeper Cole Palmer made an early save in the 3rd minute to stop the River Hawks' Edward Venta-Yepes. Reigning NEC Rookie of the Week Rasmus Hansen sent a cross to fellow freshman Filip Nordstrom for a shot that was just wide of the goal in the 8th minute. 

In the 25th minute, redshirt sophomore Naeem Charles snuck a pass to sophomore Isak Doumbia inside, but his shot was blocked by the UMass Lowell defense. Venta-Yepes made a second attempt to get the River Hawks on the board off of a free kick, but Palmer stopped him once again. The game would remain scoreless going into the second half.

Early in the second half, there was a loose ball that was recovered by redshirt freshman Romario Guscott. Guscott passed it to Hansen, who fired a shot near post but was stopped by the goalkeeper. In the 63rd minute, UMass Lowell junior Wuilito Fernandez dribbled down the field and found the back of the net, giving the River Hawks a 1-0 lead.

In the 79th minute, Guscott was fouled by UMass Lowell keeper Austin Kroll in the box, which resulted in a penalty kick being awarded. Doumbia took the chance for the tying goal, but Kroll dove to his right and made the save to keep the River Hawks in front. In the 83rd minute, Guscott got the ball to freshman Erik Wahlin, who took a shot from 18 yards, but was saved by Kroll. The chance would be the last for the Blackbirds, who fell to 2-2 on the season. 

Seniors Tanner Sica, Jacob Smith and freshman Simen Hestnes were named to the All-Tournament team. The Blackbirds placed third in the tournament this weekend, behind St. Francis Brooklyn and UMass Lowell.

UP NEXT
The Blackbirds will go back on the road to face Rider on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7:00 p.m. at Ben Cohen Field. On Sunday, Sept. 13, LIU will travel to Philadelphia to take on Saint Joseph's at 6:00 p.m.