UMBC’s America East record unbeaten streak halted at Vermont

Burlington, Vt. (via UMBC) – UMBC’s America East record unbeaten streak of 27 games came to a halt, as the visiting Retrievers fell at Vermont, 3-0, on Wednesday afternoon.

The Retrievers had not lost in the regular or post season in league play since falling at Albany in October of 2012, winning 22 and drawing five times in that span.

UMBC’s five-game unbeaten streak also came to an end and the Retrievers dropped to 7-3-2 overall and 1-1-1 in league play. Vermont improved to 7-5-1, 2-1-0 in America East.

UMBC produced several good scoring opportunities in the first half, but could not convert. Junior Kennedy O’Shea (South Riding, Va.) was the beneficiary of a Vermont turnover deep in their own territory, but his attempt resulted in a routine save by Vermont netminder Greg Walton in the 20th minute. Minutes later, sophomore Gregg Hauck (Linthicum, Md./North County) got on the end of a corner kick, but his header sailed wide of the net. Senior back Malcolm Harris (Damascus, Md./McDonogh) had an opportunity with eight minutes to play in the half, but his drive went over the crossbar. To cap the half, junior Shawn Geary (Baltimore, Md./Dundalk) nearly got on the end of a had a James Gielen (Edgewater, Md./DeMatha) serve, but could not get a head on the ball and the game went to the half scoreless.

A give-and-go between Vermont’s Brian Wright and Charlie DeFeo opened the scoring in the 49th minute of play. Wright initiated the play, feeding DeFeo just outside the 18 and the midfielder sent in Wright on right edge of box, who beat Heavner from 10 yards out, inside the far left post.

UMBC had a pair of shots blocked by the Catamount defense inside the box in the 70th minute in an attempt to tie the score. But Vermont countered and Wright made a pair of great moves along the left side and set up Stefan Lamanna for a one-time goal from close range.

Vermont closed the scoring in the 82nd minute, countering again as UMBC pressed forward to try to get on the board.

UMBC outshot Vermont, 14-11, but could only put three shots on goal. Junior goalkeeper Billy Heavner (Landisville, Pa.) tied his career high with six saves in the setback.