The Beacons were bested once again Wednesday with a score shutout score of 3-0 against Brandeis University.
That makes six straight winless games for UMass Boston with their last win dating back to September 17 in Curry College — almost a full month’s time.
The Beacons have played 12 games so far this season totaling a 4-6-6 record. During this six game stretch of struggle, they’ve posted just two goals. UMass Boston scored nine in their first six games, telling a tale of two halves.
The Beacons five goals in their opening two games are tied for the most — 2023 — by the program since 2013, and now they’re struggling to create shot opportunities — they hit the net just twice against Brandeis.
The injury bug has battered them around as star senior Andrea Rivera missed part of the first half they’ve now seen Amanda Regan, Lucinda Cotter, and freshman goaltender Janiyah Matier miss time. They haven’t exactly been at full strength.
Still, they’ve fallen behind in the standings with less than half of the season to play. UMass Boston is one of just three Little East Conference teams without a win against an LEC opponent. An 0-2-1 conference record is good for a singular point in the playoff race, placing them eighth of nine teams as of Oct. 10. If the season ended today, UMass Boston would be on the outside looking in with the postseason bracket holding six spots.
The good news is this: The Beacons only have to play one more out of conference opponent in Westfield State, the rest will be opportunities to climb the standings of the Little East and break through and clinch the LEC Tournament in which [UMass Boston hasn’t missed since 2016](https://beaconsathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/schedule/2016.).
While the offense has been dormant, it’s shown to be existent. Goal scores such as Sofia Schallmo, Andrea Rivera and Sofia Roberts are all healthy and have a capable surrounding cast. Between the pipes they’ve housed the very impressive freshman Janiyah Matier — a one time LEC goalkeeper of the week — but are hoping to get her back soon from an injury that kept her out of their game against Brandeis. Her absence made way for sophomore Avery Weinstein who is in her first season of college soccer and made her debut that night, giving up three goals on 16 shots faced. Weinstein also plays softball at UMass Boston.
There is plenty of time and avenue for a talented Beacons team to make their way in this year, and head coach Amy Zombeck is in her 21st season at UMass Boston and has made the LEC Tournament 16 times. However, the clock is running out on this run and they’ll have to do it while withstanding some impactful injuries.
