SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Bryant (9-0-1) continued their impressive unbeaten run with a commanding 3-0 victory over UMass Lowell (5-4-1) on Sunday afternoon at the Beirne Stadium Complex. The win extended Bryant's winning streak to nine matches while dealing UMass Lowell their first conference defeat of the season.
Marc Pitarch Bayot converted a crucial penalty kick in the 65th minute to double Bryant's advantage, while Jaime Amaro added another goal in the 67th minute to secure the victory. The opening goal came through sustained pressure from the home side, who controlled much of the early proceedings.
The first half saw Bryant establish their dominance early, with Marc Pitarch Bayot testing UMass Lowell goalkeeper Alvaro Medrano with a blocked shot in the 6th minute. The River Hawks struggled to find their rhythm, with Ethan Agyare-Danso's off-target attempt in the 16th minute representing their best opportunity. UMass Lowell's frustrations showed when Mauro Fernandez received a yellow card in the 17th minute for unsporting behavior.
The second half intensified when UMass Lowell's Li Feng received a straight red card in the 65th minute for an unsporting challenge, leading to Pitarch Bayot's penalty conversion. The numerical advantage allowed Bryant to control possession and create multiple scoring opportunities. The match took a decisive turn when Jaime Amaro capitalized on excellent build-up play to score Bryant's third goal, effectively sealing the result.
Bryant dominated the statistical battle, outshooting UMass Lowell 15-6, with 10 shots on target compared to the visitors' 4. The home side also held a significant advantage in corner kicks (7-1). The physical nature of the match was evident through the cards shown: UMass Lowell received one red (Li Feng) and one yellow (Mauro Fernandez), while Bryant's Tiago Dias and Augustine Boadi were cautioned.
Goalkeeper Enzo Carvalho was outstanding for Bryant, making four crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. For UMass Lowell, Alvaro Medrano recorded seven saves despite conceding three goals. Marc Pitarch Bayot's influence was particularly notable, as he not only converted the penalty but also provided an assist later in the match.
Bryant's tactical approach focused on exploiting wide areas, with Jaime Amaro and Mamadi Jiana creating constant problems for the UMass Lowell defense. The River Hawks' game plan was severely compromised after Li Feng's dismissal, forcing them to adopt a more defensive stance in the final quarter of the match.
The result maintains Bryant's impressive form, having now won nine consecutive matches and conceding just one goal in their last three games. For UMass Lowell, the defeat marks their second loss in three matches, highlighting their recent defensive struggles away from home.
Multiple substitutions in the second half, including the introductions of Filipe Bastos, Pablo Guerrero, and Tomas Sentieiro for Bryant around the 72nd minute, helped maintain their high-pressing approach. The tactical adjustments proved effective as Bryant continued to create chances even after establishing their three-goal lead.
Both teams now look ahead to important conference matchups. Bryant will host UAlbany on October 10th, while UMass Lowell returns home to face Binghamton on October 4th, looking to bounce back from this defeat.