The University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks will open their 2026 men’s soccer season at home against the CCSU Blue Devils on August 27, kicking off at 6 p.m. on Cushing Field. The match comes just weeks after a narrow 1‑0 defeat to Houston Christian, leaving the team with a 0‑1‑1 record as they look to find their rhythm early in the campaign.
The game will be marked by a pre‑game ceremony honoring Toby Forsythe, the sophomore who died in July. Players will wear special patches bearing his name and number, and the crowd can expect a moment of silence before kickoff.
A Tribute on the Field
The ceremony will feature a video montage of Forsythe’s contributions, remarks from teammates and coaches, and a moment where the crowd will be invited to applaud the late sophomore’s legacy. Such tributes are becoming a staple in college sports, reminding fans that the game is about more than just scores.
UMass Lowell’s defensive backbone features sophomore goalkeeper Alvaro Medrano, who recorded five saves on his first start of the season, and junior Aé Moritz, who also made five stops in a recent appearance. Both will be tasked with shoring up a backline that has shown flashes of promise but still seeks consistency.
In attack, junior forward Santiago Somorrostro leads the way, having already logged a goal, three shots and two shots on goal. He will be joined by Adam Abdelaal, who registered a shot on goal in the Houston Christian match, and Saihaj Kailay, who contributed the team’s lone assist.
Looking Forward
The Blue Devils arrive with momentum, having opened their season with a 3‑2 victory over Manhattan. Goals from Miguel González Pecharroman, Ben‑Martin Wilkinson and Jaran Klevberg, plus an assist from Santiago Marin, helped secure the win, while Carter Fitzgerald earned the victory with three saves and just one goal allowed.
Historically, the River Hawks hold a 5‑2 edge over CCSU in seven all‑time meetings, including a 3‑2 road win last season highlighted by goals from Junyoung Hwang, Jean Leonardo and Ben Inthisone. That familiarity adds an extra layer of intrigue to Saturday’s showdown.
With seven newcomers already earning starts, the River Hawks are blending youthful energy with seasoned leadership. The coaching staff has emphasized competition for spots and a collective effort, hoping the early games will forge the chemistry needed for a successful season.