Flying drone causes delay in UMass’ soccer sport in opposition to New Mexico State

Sports activities Information

The drone needed to be “faraway from the enclosure” earlier than play might resume.

UMass needed to cease play briefly within the second quarter when a drone flew into the stadium. J. Anthony Roberts/The Republican by way of AP

The school soccer season is formally underway with week zero video games going down Saturday.

UMass was one of many colleges suiting up for sport motion, though its contest in opposition to New Mexico State on Saturday evening was briefly stopped for a peculiar purpose.

A drone entered into the stadium and flew low overhead on the sector, forcing officers to pause the sport previous to a New Mexico State kickoff within the second quarter. Play resumed shortly after as soon as the drone flew away.

On-field officers relayed the message to followers within the stadium and viewers, that, “the drone should go away the stadium enclosure for us to proceed the sport.”

On the time of stoppage, UMass and New Mexico State had been tied, 7-7. UMass went on to win 41-30 – its first season-opening win over an FBS opponent since 1984. When these groups met final season, New Mexico State gained, 23-13.

New UMass quarterback Taisun Phommachanh was the star of the present, accumulating 192 yards by way of the air and including 96 extra on the bottom. He additionally rushed for a landing. UMass’ 41 factors is essentially the most its recorded in a single sport since Nov. 3, 2018.

Up 10 factors within the fourth quarter, Minutemen defensive again Isaiah Rutherford snagged a 57-yard interception return for a landing to assist put the sport on ice.

The Minutemen misplaced 11 video games final season and solely gained one, a quantity they’re seeking to enhance upon in 2023. A win in week one is actually begin.