Rhode Island College got abused on Saturday. Sure they won the game improving their record to 9-3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Little East Conference but UMass told them where to get on and where to get off for most of the game. One of their goals could be attributed to UMass’s physical style; it came off a penalty kick, but the Beacon’s aggressive play also kept the score close. UMass dropped to 2-7-1 overall and 0-2 in the conference.

The Rhode Island College Anchormen came into this game looking as confident as their 9-3 record is impressive. Before their loss to Worchester State on Wednesday, they had won eight consecutive games. They feature freshman Kyle Tierra, one of the league’s leading scorers, not to mention Little East Conference player of the week in September, and Cory Lopes another freshman scorer and league rookie of the month. The anchormen can play both sides of the ball, scoring 31 this season while only allowing 12.

This was a game the Beacons were not supposed to win. They were ranked dead last by a preseason coaches’ poll and currently in the basement of the Little East Conference but the Beacons came out fired up. From the get go they not only played aggressive scoring oriented soccer, but they played smart soccer as well. Led by captain Georgio Bantos, a vocal leader on the field, they did not quit.

UMass scored their only goal of the game in the first half to the consternation of the Anchormen. However 10 minutes later, Rhode Island College tied up the game on a corner kick to the top of the box and one-timed into the top far side corner of the goal on a curling shot by Christopher Cunha.

UMass had several scoring opportunities throughout the game, the closest of them being a breakaway in the second half by Fredson Gomes. However, his shot went just high, frustrating UMass’s chances to regain the lead.

The Anchormen, already shaken, scored on a penalty in the second half and picked up a slim lead. The Beacons came close on several tries in the second half but could not connect for a score. Goalkeeper Michael Tady had a good game for UMass; he came out of the net in the final minutes, but the tactic made no difference. Boris Perlovsky and Alejandro Lopez also had great games for the Beacons.

UMass’s next home game is October 15 against Albertus Magnus at 4pm.