For the third time in as many games, UMBC featured a different starting attack, and the most recent group could play again when the team travels for a Saturday meeting with Richmond.
Freshman Jonah Kozireski joined junior Nate Lewnes and sophomore Max Maxwell in Saturday's 4-2 win at Monmouth, and the Severna Park graduate took two shots and finished without a point in the first start of his career.
While noting that every player on offense has room for improvement after the Retrievers scored just four times Saturday, UMBC coach Don Zimmerman said he thought Kozireski fared decently.
"I think he understands what we're doing, I think he understands what we expect of him," Zimmerman said Wednesday. "He's got a good stick. I think he's one of our better leaders. He just has to grow into the college game."
Kozireski was playing for junior Jack Gannon, who had replaced senior Ty Kashur in UMBC's second game of the season. Zimmerman described Gannon, who has registered one goal and two assists thus far, as being "day-to-day."
"It's not a serious injury," Zimmerman said. "He's just got to rehab and do some recovery work. So we're hopeful that he'll play against Richmond."
Zimmerman said the Retrievers elected not to go back to Kashur to start on attack because he is being relied on to anchor a second midfield that includes freshman Max Haldeman, junior Mark Monroe (a converted attackman) and sophomore Grant Searfoss.
And Zimmerman said Kozireski has grown since joining the program in August.
"He's been doing a good job in practice," Zimmerman said. "He's got some talent. I think he's grown since coming on board in August. Jack Gannon couldn't play, and we decided to give the freshman an opportunity. I think he held his own and got a game under his belt, and we're excited to see continued improvement from him."
So if Gannon is unavailable for Saturday, could Kozireski, Maxwell and Lewnes (St. Mary's) start again?
"I don't know yet," Zimmerman said. "It depends on Jack Gannon's status. But he will play."