(Lowell, MA) May 4, 2007 - In the most spirited Men’s Soccer Alumni Game in recent history, the Alumni downed the current UMass Lowell squad, 7-4 under the lights of Cushing Field this past Friday night.  Led by two goals each from Michael Cabral (’05) and Tim Garry (’05), the alumni ruled the day with imaginative attacking play, solid defense and the indomitable goalkeeping trio of Bobby Ritter (’06), Sean Nally (’01) and Tom Ramos (’98).

The combined strength and spirit of the twenty-seven alumni present brought chills to the current UML players, and the lifelong connection to UMass Lowell Men’s Soccer was evident from the opening whistle.  The past, present and future of River Hawk Soccer came together in ninety minutes’ worth of enjoyment. 

“This is our favorite day of the year, where we get to see the development and maturity of the alumni blend with the youth and hope of our current players in a fun-filled atmosphere,” said UMass Lowell Head Coach Ted Priestly.  “It is great to see our current players come face-to-face with the history and architects of this program, and really understand where it has all come from…our success didn’t happen overnight.  The alumni are the ones who built it, one step at a time.”

“The best thing for our current players to see is the fact that each of these alumni rose to the challenge of playing soccer at UMass Lowell, and emerged from the experience better prepared to take on life’s challenges, and deeply rooted to the program and their teammates,” added Priestly.  “These relationships will last a lifetime: that is our truest form of success.”

Alumni Game - May 4, 2007 Photos by Jim Curran '80

UMass Lowell Soccer's Past, Present and Future come together for the  traditional post-game photo, amidst Alumni claims of dominance

Tim O'Garry ('05) and his headband weaves through a sea of stunned red defenders

Nurradin "The Dream" Abdo ('05) dazzles and delights en route to assisting on yet a Mike Paige ('01) goal

A time for River Hawk friends to celebrate the past, and look forward  to the future