Baltimore, Md.- UMBC senior midfielder Andrew Bulls (Millersville, Md./McDonogh) set a school record for assists, initiating the lone goal of the game, as the host Retrievers edged Mount St. Mary’s, 1-0, in the opening game for both teams.

The contest was played in steady rain and was delayed by lightning for 42 minutes in the 73^rd minute of play on the grass of Retriever Soccer Park.

In the 59^th minute, Bulls’ free kick from 27 yards out floated into the six-yard area, where sophomore forward Pete Caringi III (Perry Hall, Md./Calvert Hall) grazed it to the left of from Mountaineer goalkeeper Peter Steve. Freshman forward Jordan Becker (Pocomoke, Md./Pocomoke) knocked it in to an unguarded net from three yards away.

The assist was the 29^th of Bulls’ career, surpassing James Hamilton, who recorded 28 from 1998-2001. Bulls, a preseason All-American, finished third in the nation in 2010 with 15 helpers.  

“It is an honor to achieve the record and surpass James Hamilton, who held it for a decade,” Bulls said. “I am very proud, but most of the credit goes to the great teammates that I have had over the years.”

The win extended UMBC’s unbeaten streak to ten, dating back to Oct. 15 of last season. They also extended their winning streak to nine and unbeaten streak to 14 vs. the Mountaineers. UMBC leads the all-time series, 22-11-2.

UMBC senior goalkeeper Dan Louisignau (Wilmington, Del.) was credited with just one save in posting his sixth career shutout in 14 starts for the Retrievers. UMBC outshot Mount St. Mary, 12-9, and Steve recorded three stops in the match.

Mount forward Chris Wheeler attempted a game-high seven shot in the contest.

The game was originally scheduled to being at 7:00 p.m, but was moved up due to the arrival of Hurricane Irene.

UMBC has won six consecutive opening games and  have not lost a home opener since 2002.  

Bulls tallied at least one point in all of his four contests vs. Mount St. Mary’s and compiled seven points (2g, 3a) against the in-state rivals.

The Retrievers play game No. 2 in their opening six-game homestand when they entertain St. Francis (N.Y.) on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

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