Dawgs earn No.2 seed in America East playoffs with win

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - The Bryant University men's soccer team secured the No. 2 seed in the America East playoffs with their 3-0 win over UMass Lowell on Tuesday night.

Earning the No. 2 seed means that the Bulldogs will have a first round bye and a home semifinal game.

Game Information
Bryant 3, UMass Lowell 0
Records: Bryant (14-1-2, 4-1-2), UMass Lowell (2-11-3, 0-7)
Location: Smithfield, RI (Beirne Stadium)

Coach's comments on the game...

"We're happy with the result and another clean sheet but didn't feel like we played our best game and that's credit to UMass Lowell. They really disrupted what we try to do in possession and had us defending for longer periods than we're used to. Unfortunately, we missed our target of finishing first in the league but we are going to take advantage of the next week to really work on some things that we have to improve on ahead of the playoffs. Proud of the guys and what the team has achieved so far and we are going to give our best effort now to compete for an America East Championship."

Key Moment

• Marc Pitarch Bayot had another outstanding performance, tallying two goals and an assist in the win.

Scoring Summary

• 9th minute - Bryant 1, UMass Lowell 0 - Senior Javi Gonzalez sent a freekick from just outside the side of the 18 yard box to Marc Pitarch. Pitarch then had two shots blocked before he was finally able to break through and rocket the ball into the back of the net.
• 41st minute - Bryant 2, UMass Lowell 0 - Gustavo Rodriguez made a darting run down the left flank and was found on a through ball. Rodriguez sent the ball across the box to Pitarch who one timed it with the outside of his right foot into the right side of the goal to double the lead.
• 58th minute - Bryant 3, UMass Lowell 0 - Pitarch received a ball from Vicente Valor Martinez and then turned his defender to make a 30-yard run upfield. This gave enough time for Valor to make an unmarked run to the top of the box. Valor then took one touch before slotting the ball into the lower left corner with his left foot.

Notes and Notables

• This is the first time that the Black and Gold have made the America East playoffs. It has been four years since the squad has made it to the postseason.
• Pitarch has had a hand in seven of the last eight Bryant goals. He has also scored in the squad's last four games.
• With his two goals, Pitarch now leads the America East in scoring. He has racked up 11 goals this season.
• Valor's goal was his fifth of the season.
• Goalkeeper Antreas Hadjigavriel recorded two saves in the match.

Next Up

The Bulldogs will have the week off before being back at Beirne next Wednesday (Nov. 8th) for a 7:00 pm conference semifinals match up against the winner of the UMBC/Binghamton quarterfinal game happening on Saturday.