Despite the storm, the UMass Men’s soccer teams started out their third week of the 2003 season with a double overtime win versus the Rams of Suffolk University. At one point in the September 23 match, play was delayed due to pouring rain. Freshman forward Andre Mercury scored 52 seconds into the second overtime to give the University of Massachusetts their fifth win of the season. Other Beacon scorers were Maynor Sanchez at 7:50, and Garry J. George at 5:46. Lopez and Mercury assisted Sanchez and George’s goals, respectively. Sophomore Roger Lau was up to the challenge of his first career start in the net for UMass, as he turned away 10 of the Ram’s shots.

The Beacons continued their week of back-to-back-to-back home games when Eastern Nazarene came to the Clark Athletic Center Field on September 25. The Beacons led the way against the Crusades as they were in control for the majority of the contest. Maynor Sanchez scored UMass’ first goal off his own rebounded shot at 6:04. The Crusaders tied it up at 25:28, but the Beacons took it back at 77:53 when Ocampo’s corner kick was headed into the back of the net by forward Gary J. George. With four minutes left Matt Romano scored off the assist pass from Alejandro Lopez, which gave the Beacons a 3-1 win over the Crusaders and a 6-1 overall record on the year.

UMass has been playing some great soccer this year, although they seem to be having some trouble with Little East opponents. Their second loss of year came on September 27 when Plymouth State shut them out 4-0. This loss puts them at 6-2 on the season; however, they are winless at 0-2 in the LEC. The Beacons’ next home game is October 8 versus Clark at Clark Athletic Center on 3:30 p.m.