EASTON, Pa. -- Friday night's men's soccer contest was a special night for Lafayette Athletics with the official dedication of Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium prior to kickoff. The ceremony celebrated alumni and donors who made the project possible, kicked off by a lead gift from Peter Gummeson '80 and built upon the legacy of the Bourger and Oaks families.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony and on-field recognition, the games action did not disappoint in a 1-1 final. Lafayette got off on the front foot with a few early corner kicks that helped increase their momentum.

In the 13^th minute, Lafayette had its first clear-cut opportunity of the game. Nicholas Liebich headed a ball back across the box that was served on a corner by senior Benji Grossi. Junior Carter Houlihan was there to make a play on the ball just inside the six-yard box, but UMass-Lowell's keeper Adam Henry kept the game level at 0-0.

Lafayette continued to dominate possession until the deadlock was finally broken. Senior Hale Lombard left his mark on the match in the 26^th minute. Lombard initially picked the ball up 20 yards from goal before it pinballed off a defender. The ball kindly sat up for him and he unleashed a wonder strike on the half-volley into the top right corner of the goal. Gummeson Grounds erupted.

However, the River Hawks would not be denied in the opening half of play. In the 42^nd minute, Oliver Holmstrom leveled things with a tidy header. Kotaro Natsume picked the ball up in UMass-Lowell's attacking third down the right flank. He whipped a ball into the box where Holmstrom was waiting in between the center backs to nod home the equalizer. The first half ended all square with a score of 1-1.

The second half of play started slower compared to the first with both teams played more reserved. Each team picked up early yellow cards in the second half.

Freshman Roy Biegon had a big chance in front of goal with four minutes to play, but he was unable to convert. The final 45 minutes of play was filled with half-chances for both teams, but neither could capitalize.

Junior goalkeeper Griffin Huff finished the night without a save, speaking to the Leopards' tight defensive performance. When the final whistle blew the match ended all square with a score of 1-1.

Lafayette will be back in action at 7 p.m. on Monday, hosting Drexel.