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Kedan Crosby
  
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Kedan's Korner: An Inside Look At URI Men's Soccer

The 2008 season through the eyes of senior co-captain Kedan Crosby. 

Nov. 19 - The A-10's.


Well, after qualifying for the A-10 Tournament Last week by virtue of a tie-breaker with George Washington University, we were back in training getting ready for another tough match up against the Dayton Flyers, who we really didn't know much about since they were one of the four teams we didn't play this year. Having said that, we knew that this game would be a big one and perhaps our biggest game for the year because we were playing for our season and another A-10 Championship.


So, early Wednesday morning we were off to Pittsburgh to get things in order for another shot at the Conference Championship. Our game was the first of a double header on Thursday so it was important to get settled in early so that we would be able to focus on the task at hand. Practice on Wednesday afternoon was short and sharp, just like we would have liked it and everyone seemed ready to play. The confidence within the camp was one that any player and coach would have been proud of - especially after how we ended the regular season against Saint Louis, only a few days before.


The game kicked off at 6pm and we came out very aggressive, taking the game to the Flyers. Just under 10 minutes in we were up a goal thanks to Erkko Puranen who surprised their defense with a quick shot from just outside the 18 yard box. Just like that we were off and running. It was the best start that we could have possibly asked for.


After the goal, we really pressured them trying to put the game away early and were nearly rewarded with a second goal off a Gary Crooks free kick that the Flyers keeper had to stretch all the way to his left to keep out.


Our enthusiasm and aggressiveness however, proved to be our downfall about half an hour in, when Dayton got their equalizer off a set piece that we were hesitant in clearing. From that moment things just went from bad to worst as just a couple of minutes after their equalizer they were awarded a penalty kick when keeper Peyton Warwick tackled one of their forwards on a breakaway. At the half, Dayton was up by a goal but we knew all too well that all was not lost and we came out in the second half searching for that equalizer.


As the second half got underway, we began just like we did in the first half and found ourselves level 10 minutes into the second half thanks to Erkko again, his second goal in the game.


However, straight off the ensuing kick off and a set piece, Dayton took the lead again when some miscommunication between our goalkeeper and defender gave the Flyers forward an easy header into our goal. With the game at 3-2 in Dayton's favor and 35 minutes to go, all was still there to be played for.


Sidelined to the bench due to a head injury suffered in the first half, I had to look on and encourage the guys who were trying their very best to get that equalizer which never came as the time ran out and our 2008 campaign came to an end.


In the end, we lost the game but I feel as though this served as a great learning experience for some of the younger guys who I am sure will factor this loss into their preparations for next season. As a team we have a lot to be proud of, knowing that we gave our all. Sometimes though, you just don't get the result...


GO RHODY!!!




Nov. 10 - Senior Weekend.

 Well four years ago, none of us ever thought that this day would come and go so quickly. Over the period of my time here at Rhody, I have seen a lot of seniors leave. On every senior weekend, each one of them would always say that the time flies but never once had I paid much attention to that statement until this weekend... being my senior weekend and last home games at the URI Soccer Complex.


That said, the only difference between this year and those previous years was that this time, we had our backs against the wall and everything to play for in order to secure a spot in this weekend's A-10 Tournament in Pittsburgh. The good thing about these last two homes games was that we knew what we had to do and everything was in our hands. Two wins would secure a spot and this was the mentality in practice all week as we prepared for Charlotte and Saint Louis.


First up were those 49ers from Charlotte. Prior to the game (and thanks to our investigative coaching staff), we found that they appeared to be overlooking. It was believed that we were not going to be any real threat to them and this turned out to be their biggest mistake. We were already pumped up to play knowing that we needed the win but to hear some trash talking prior and during the game really didn't help their cause. We came out a totally different team than usual - reminiscent of those former Rhode Island Soccer teams - and took the game to them. We were ready to play and Charlotte didn't know what hit them. We took the lead about 20mins in after missing a couple of clear cut chances and Charlotte then decided to play. They eventually equalized after some miscommunication in our backline - which was without Dwayne Williams due to suspension and goalkeeper Chris Pennock to injury.


With the scores tied at one goal apiece at the end of regulation (and after some pretty big saves by reserve keeper Peyton Warwick and Charlotte's goalkeeper as well), the stage was set for another overtime period here in Kingston. Knowing that a tie wouldn't help us we went out looking for that game winner that eventually came with one minute left in double overtime when I flicked a Reece Markman's cross into the net to give us the win.


Our enjoyment and excitement after that intense game had to be subdued because we knew that we still had a job to do on Sunday against a very good Saint Louis team which were also looking to clinch a playoff spot.


Going into Sunday's game our emotions were high. We just won a big game on Friday, and Saint Louis was up next and it was the last home game of the season not to mention this could have been the last game in a URI uniform for four of us.


Before the game, we had out last pre-game at Coach OC's house, last pre-game pep talk in Mackal and the locker room. Before the game, each of the four seniors spoke to the team but there were no tears this time around probably because of the severity of the game at hand. Nevertheless the younger guys knew how we felt and knew how much we were going to miss putting on that blue and white at home.


After our senior day ceremony the game got underway and we were unluckily behind after 15mins. St. Louis scored off a free kick just outside our 18 yard box and then again about 10 mins after. Going into the half we were 2-0 down and offensively we weren't clicking. However, we knew that whoever got the next goal would be in the driver's seat and as luck would have it 15 seconds into the second half SLU was awarded a penalty that gave them a 3 goal advantage. This really knocked the wind out of us and everyone could definitely see this. We played on though, wearing our hearts on our sleeves and giving all that we could but it just wasn't meant to be, we lost 5-0 in what many of us thought would be our final game.


As the game ended and scores were being finalized we found out that we were given a life line and that we got that sixth-place spot in the tournament. The only thing to do now is to work hard and look forward to the next game which is in Pittsburgh against Dayton on Thursday night.


We're going into this year's tournament as underdogs but we're confident that we can get the job done and the upperclassmen are definitely going to be giving their all trying to get another championship for URI... so good things are expected - as always - as we head over to Pittsburgh.


In closing, on behalf of the Senior Class of Kevin Hamill, James Quiah and Andres Perdomo and myself, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us during our time here at URI. It has definitely been worth every second and nothing can compare to the feeling of pride we feel whenever we put that on that uniform.


Special thanks also to our coaching staff, Lauren, Andy and Coach Proc in the weight room, the families that are always at our games whether it is away or at home, Jodi from URI Sports Communications dept. as well as the Pennocks - Pat and Paul - who, according to Chris, are avid readers of the blog.


To all of you - thanks, it has really been a really enjoyable ride that we are going to miss once it is all over!




Nov. 3 - All to Play For.

After two draws last weekend against GW and Richmond, we were away to Fordham and La Salle for our last two road games in conference play as we look to secure a spot in the A-10 playoffs two weeks from now in Pittsburgh.


Going into these games, we knew what was at stake and everyone was intent on making amends for dropping those points in our last two games. On Halloween night in the Bronx, the stage was set for the battle of the Rams in the Atlantic 10. Anyone who looked at that game on Friday night will no doubt tell you that we were definitely the better team in the first half, however, soccer is a game of two halves and while we were better and playing well, we still had nothing to show for it.


In the second half, for whatever reason, we switched off offensively and Fordham took advantage of this and it seemed like only a matter of time before they took the lead. All of a sudden, goalkeeper Chris Pennock was forced to make a number of key saves that miraculously kept us in the game up until the 87th minute or so. With just three minutes to play in regulation, a mistake that has constantly haunted us this season once again cost us. Failing to clear the ball from our defensive end off a set piece led to Fordham taking the lead - and eventually the match - along with the three points that we desperately needed. Once again, we were digging a hole for ourselves in terms of a playoff spot.


This loss basically meant that we had to win on Sunday to keep our hopes alive of postseason play. The good thing about this is that even though we lost the game, everything was still in our hands. Knowing that a win was needed, we went into the La Salle game on Sunday hungry and determined to get that W that had evaded us for about two weeks.


Playing in Philadelphia is always tricky and we knew that nothing was going to be given to us. We also knew that the only way we were going to leave there with those three points was by taking them. As the whistle blew and the first half got underway, we pressured the La Salle backline and imposed ourselves from very early on but as the half came to a close we were still deadlocked at zero.


The second half seemed to head in the same direction but thanks to freshman Reece Markman, we took the lead in the 78th minute with the first goal of his career. Taking a feed from Domenic Petrarca, his first time shot was driven hard and low and nestled into the bottom left corner of the La Salle goal. La Salle continued to push for the equalizer but there was to no overtime to be had this time around! We got our win and a reason to play once more.


Looking ahead to our last two regular season games, the scenario is pretty clear: Win, or go home. Visiting are two very good opponents in Charlotte and Saint Louis - both of whom are also looking to clinch a spot in Pittsburgh as well. In addition to the Atlantic 10 playoffs, these games will be the last home appearances for Kevin Hamill, James Quiah, Andres Perdomo and myself... and what better way to finish up than with two home wins!


See you there!!




Oct. 27 - Winless Weekend.

If there is one word which can be used to describe this weekend's games, that word would definitely be Disappointing. Disappointing in the sense that once again, we dropped points when never should have and disappointing in that - for some reason - we just can't seem to put teams away when we have the chance. No disrespect to either of this weekend's opponents, but we know - as do they - that we let six points get away from us in conference play. 

Friday night we played host to George Washington University and after 110 minutes of play, scores were tied and both teams came away with a share of the points. Prior to this game, we were told in our scouting report that GW likes to score in the first 15mins of the game and as you probably guessed, they were up a goal just 8 minutes in. Defensively, we made one mistake that they capitalized on and we were down a goal. 

Only through sheer determination and grit were we able to pull one back - literally at the stroke of halftime. With one second left on the clock and after a number of squandered opportunities, I took a pass from Andres Perdomo and stuck the ball in the back of the net tying the game up at one apiece. The second half and much of both overtime periods were keenly contested with neither team nor goalkeeper budging. 

On Sunday, Richmond - which just came off an overtime lost at UMass on Friday night - was visiting. Despite their overall record of just two wins this season, we knew that this game was not going to be easy and we came out quickly. After 60mins of play we found ourselves with a two goal advantage thanks to Erkko Puranen. His speed is definitely an advantage for us and the Richmond backline found it hard to contain him the entire afternoon. 

However, in the game of soccer a two goal advantage doesn't mean much and once again, we learned this lesson the hard way as Richmond clawed back into the game. Before we knew it, it was Duquesne all over again. Richmond scored twice and it was back to square one with the scores leveled and another overtime period. However, unlike Duquesne, this time there was no golden goal. While we attacked them in most of the overtime period we weren't able to get the winner. Not even a penalty attempt with just over a minute left in double overtime was able to prove decisive as the Richmond keeper turned away Erkko's attempt at a hat trick. 

Despite taking two points from a possible six this weekend, all is not lost as there is still everything to play for in these last two weeks of conference play. The way the table is set right now, we are still in the hunt for one of those six playoff spots in November... but it will take a lot more effort than what we are giving right now. Even though we are not where we would like to be, we know what it takes to get there and this week in practice, we know what we need to fine tune - both as a team and as individuals.  

Next up are a couple of tough away games against Fordham and La Salle who are also seeking a place in the tournament, so they should both be good ones!




Oct. 20 - Duquesne and St. Bonaventure.


After a very short week of practice, as well as a conference-opening win against our rival UMass, we were off to Duquesne and St. Bonaventure for our next Atlantic 10 fixtures. We knew going in that these two games were going to be hard since all games in the conference this year seem to be heading that way.  

First up was Duquesne on Friday night, which is the site for this year's A-10 Tournament. From the very first minute, this game was a dog fight. Tackles were going in hard and fast all around the field. In the very first minutes, we were lucky to still be level after Duquesne somehow got behind our defensive line but goalkeeper Chris Pennock was big for us with a point blank save that kept the scores at zero.  

While we got our chances in the first half, we still were not playing our brand of soccer, which is to possess the ball and keep it moving quickly. Duquesne's defense was pummeling us everytime we got the ball - probably trying to just beat us physically rather than on the scoreboard and we were guilty of giving the ball away too easily. Going into the end of the half, the game was more or less even and the score justly showed this.

However, in the second half we decided to change things up by imposing ourselves and giving them a taste of their own medicine but with a Rhody twist! We came out a little more aggressive and decided not to worry about the calls not going our way and this paid off around 20-or-so minutes into the second half. 

Taking advantage of some quick play off a restart, I fed the ball to fellow striker Errko Puranen who beat the offside trap and calmly tucked the ball into the back of their net giving us the goal advantage. This goal apparently pumped Errko up a bit and after a foul by one of the Dukes' defenders, Errko's frustration got the better of him as he and the defender were sent off for dissent.  

From this point onward, both teams were playing a man down, and tempers were flaring up a bit. Duquesne - who was still trying to beat us physically - eventually made a mistake that I capitalized on in the 75th min. A miscommunication between their center back and goalkeeper gifted me with one of the easiest goals I ever scored. That gave us the two goal lead which, I thought would have been enough.

While being two goals up with about 15mins or so left in the game, you would expect us to play out the game and secure the victory in regulation but this wasn't the case. 

As our coaches and some of the players would tell you, we switched off offensively and allowed the Dukes to take control and pressure our goal. This proved to be our downfall and before we knew it, the score was tied with 15 seconds left on the clock... and another overtime period was in store for us.

This really took us by surprise but in true Rhody fashion, we stood up and fought through. About three minutes or so into overtime, we won the game. Off a corner kick, center back Dwayne Williams jumped up and headed in his third game-winning goal of the season giving us a very hard fought victory.
 
While this win was well-deserved and really a good result for us, we were once again in game mode for St. Bonnies on Sunday.  Despite us not knowing much about them, we knew going in that this game was a must win and we could have really put ourselves in a good position in the conference going into next week. 

If anyone thought that St. Bonnies were going to lie down for us they were clearly mistaken because they came out determined to take points off of us and spoil our weekend.  While we were playing good throughout the first half and the entire game, we just weren't able to get the ball into the net.  St. Bonaventure, on the other hand, got the first goal of the game at the hour mark and this proved to be the only goal of the game. 

As with any loss, a lot of positives can be taken from it and what I think we learned this weekend (in both games) is that every game is different and no win is guaranteed. While we went into the second game confident we'd get a W, the fact of the matter is that we need to go out there, put past results behind us (good or bad) and just play the next game. This concept is what we are going to have to work on this week in practice as we prepare for another big doubleheader this coming weekend at home when we host George Washington and Richmond.


See you there!




Oct. 13 - The A-10 Opener.

After a very competitive and successful non-conference schedule, conference play opened up at the URI Soccer Complex with our long time rivals in the Atlantic10 - the UMass Minutemen - who came to town for the second game of a doubleheader with the women's team, Sunday afternoon. In the first game, the Rhody ladies got their first league win against Xavier and we knew that we had to match their effort in our game as well. This game - like any other game in the conference - was an important one as we look to make it to tournament play next month. 

The way the conference is set up, it is very important to make sure that you take care of business at home and not have to depend on other teams later on. Having said that, any game against UMass, who knocked us out of the Tournament last year on their way to the NCAA final four, is always a very close and physical one. Perhaps this is why coaches had us train extra hard this week in preparation for the game. 

From the very first whistle, UMass came out firing on all cylinders and took advantage of some very early mistakes on our part. I'm not sure if it was conference jitters or we just weren't ready to play but they were by far the better team in the first exchanges of the match. The good thing though, was that they had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard where it counted.  

As halftime approached, UMass must have felt that it would just be a matter of time before they broke the deadlock but we knew better and decided to play some soccer the Rhody way. 

According to former captain Adam Howarth, when things are not going your way technically, you need to stand up and be counted rather than run away. This is definitely what Domenic Petrarca, Chris Pennock and I decided to do. We took the game into our hands and I believe some of the other guys fed off of our enthusiasm and leadership and began to fight. We started the half more aggressive and knew that if we attacked, eventually we would get something out of it. 

That chance finally came late on with about three minutes to go when Dwayne Williams got his head on a very good cross sent in by Gary Crooks. We got the lead that we deserved after fighting and grinding the entire afternoon. 

However, as exciting and thrilling as this game was for the fans and the players, we are back at it again this coming weekend as we look to build on this success away at Duquesne and St. Bonaventure. As I said before, every game in the conference is an important one for us and we know what it takes to be successful, all we have to do is make sure that we don't forget that.




Oct. 6, 2008 - Bittersweet Homecoming.


On Friday night we were host to the Siena Saints - along with their familiar coaching staff - in what would be our last non-conference game of the season. Having just had a successful weekend up at UMASS as well as a week of some intense fitness sessions in practice, we were physically ready to take on the Saints in what would prove to be a very keenly contested encounter here at the URI Soccer Complex. We were also looking to keep our unbeaten record here at home intact. 

Well, the mental games began as early as Thursday afternoon when we learned that we would have to eat our pregame meal at Kingston Pizza after. While this didn't sit well with Senior Kevin Hamill, the guys knew from then what we would be in store for. With G man (Gareth Elliott) at the helm of the Saints, we also knew that the game would be well-contested and very competitive.

So the game began in what can be described best as some mild weather, it wasn't too cold and it wasn't too humid, the conditions were just right. In the first 25mins of the game we came out aggressive, taking control of the game, and playing some nice football. 

However, it is all good to look nice and play well but if you don't shoot you cannot score and we learned that the hard way on Friday. With what may be considered Siena's first shot of the game (as well as a lapse in concentration defensively on our part), we were down 1-0. Siena's right back - it seemed - ran straight up the wing with no pressure by a forward or midfielder, cut in a blasted a shot that keeper Chris Pennock couldn't do much about. This is pretty much how the game stayed until halftime with the Saints being up by a goal and us not really threatening them offensively in terms of shots. 

In second half, we decided that the only way to score was to take some shots at their keeper who really wasn't tested at all in the first period. This proved to be the key as we started the second half. Josh Sousa had the first shot of the half about three minutes in - one that the keeper couldn't handle. The rebound fell nicely for me to just put away and tie the game up. 

This was the perfect start to the second half that anyone could have dreamt of and we were off and running, searching for some more. It seemed like we were always in their end of the field pressuring them with corners and shots that we just couldn't seem to put away. Siena, it appeared, looked to get at us on the counter whenever they got their chance.

As most people know, in Division I soccer - or any soccer around the world - the more you let a team hang around by not finishing your chances, the more dangerous that team becomes. We found that out the hard way as we entered overtime and still couldn't find that decisive game-winner that would have ended the game. 

In the second half of overtime, just what we feared would happen... did. Siena scored its golden goal to win the game and bragging rights went to URI alums Gareth, Ahmad (Manning) and Aidan (Byrne).

Even though we lost the game and were unable to make G pay for all those six o'clock practices accompanied with leg burners, W's in Keaney Gym, and F.O.G.'s (Friends of G), which for those who don't know - that's special fitness at the end of practices for "random" players, we are still looking ahead positively to opening up conference play next week against another familiar foe in UMass 

The Minutemen knocked us out of the Atlantic 10 tournament in their journey to the Final Four last year and most of the guys, including myself, are looking forward to that game. While we want to settle the score from last year, we also want to start the conference slate off on a good note in our quest for success this year. 

Till then, it's back to work in the classroom and on the field in preparation for a tough A-10 schedule.

One more thing before I sign off... On behalf of all of our players, I want to extend best wishes to our alums at Siena as they enter their conference play as well. Good luck!




Sept. 29, 2008 - The UMass Invitational.


This weekend we were away at the UMass Invitational where we competed against two very good teams in the Catamounts from Vermont and the Hawks from Hartford in the four team tournament. We loaded up the vans on Thursday afternoon and left for Amherst after a light training session here at Rhody with two things on our mind, a clean-sheet and two wins.


First up for us, was Vermont on Friday afternoon - the last game of a tripleheader that day at Rudd Field. The game was originally scheduled for a 4:30pm start however the first game of the day - which was a women's game between UMass and St. Bonaventure - went into double overtime, as did the second game, between hosts UMass and Hartford. Hartford eventually earned the win, taking the opening game of the tournament.


While that game was nearing its end, the weather was getting worse. Rain was falling but the field was still in good shape which was a surprise to most of us. Nevertheless, the game got underway about an hour later than scheduled and both teams' intentions were very clear.


Vermont came out aggressively and the only response we had was to be just as aggressive offensively. Normally, this would lead to some all-out attacking soccer but both teams were very disciplined, patiently waiting for that lapse in concentration by either defense which would open up the game a little.


While we were controlling much of the play in the first half, we were finding it hard to create some clear cut chances against Vermont and we went into halftime tied at zero. The half came and went with the referees indicating to both coaches that daylight may become a factor since it was getting late.


Just as the first half ended, the second half began with a lot of missed time tackles, and physical play with neither team able to break the deadlock. Eventually, the referees called the game with about 20 mins to play because of the lack of lighting at Rudd field - so the game ended in a draw. While we were not pleased with the draw, we didn't give up a goal and defensively we were on point, although there are still some things we need to work on.


On Saturday, we were up, had a light little training session just to get the legs going and basically just rested up the remainder of the day in preparation for Hartford on Sunday.


On Saturday evening, we were off to the Balicki's, who treated us to very nice team dinner at their home for the second year in a row. In attendance, were also the parents of Michael Tanke and Matt Preyss, who are members of our extended family here at Rhode Island and proud supporters of the URI program.


After a very relaxing evening and tremendous meal, it was back to business on Sunday and no one was more geared up for this game than former Hartford player Kevin Shaw, who wanted nothing less than a win. While the guys really wanted to win this game for themselves, we really wanted to make sure that Shawzy had something to boast about to his old teammates.


This game was also a very physical one, and I felt the brunt of this physicality in the early mins of the first half after receiving a elbow to the face right above the eye that had to be patched up for me to continue. While getting cleaned up by Lauren (our athletic trainer), the game was in full swing, and both teams were really pushing for that elusive opening goal.


Hartford made use of their speed up top with their direct play and we, in turn, tried to build it a little, getting some width and looking for that cross that could be redirected in. Goalkeeper Chris Pennock made some very key saves for us and our back four were, for the most part, holding their own against a very determined Hartford attack.


Back and forth we went for the entire 90mins with neither team able to get the winner and once again we were forced to look for that goal in overtime.


At the end of regulation, one thing I noticed looking around was that nobody was giving up and this game was going to go to who wanted it more. In games like these, nothing is given, you have to go out and take it and that is what we were trying to do despite being a bit tired.


Coach Stone even reminded us that the reason we are pushed so hard in terms of fitness by Coach Bergs is for situations like these and this was enough to get me recharged for the remaining minutes of overtime.


Through the first half of overtime, both teams were a little cautious because - as much as you want to win - you also don't want to come so far, make a mistake and lose the game, so it was a bit cagey and only one shot was registered by either team in the first overtime.


As the second overtime got started, we decided to just go for it... and that we did. Taking advantage of some lax defending by one of the Hartford defenders, I was able to get the ball and send a cross to golden boy Erkko Puranen who headed the ball into the back of the net and give us the well deserved win and ultimately first place at the UMass Invitational.


After grinding out a win like that this weekend, it doesn't stop there as we welcome back G-Man and his Siena Saints this Friday at the URI Soccer complex. We know that this game will be very competitive and G will have his guys ready so this one will definitely be no easy task. Having said that, we are getting ready for a big game and looking to head into conference play next week with a pair of wins in our pocket. See you there....


PS - Special thanks go out to all the fans and supporters who made the trek up to UMass to support us this weekend. Thanks again for all the support and the Team and I want you guys to know that it is greatly appreciated!




Sept. 22, 2008 - A tale of two Ivy's.


This past week was perhaps the toughest of the season so far, as we played two really good Ivy League teams in both Harvard and in-state rival Brown.


Our first test was on Wednesday afternoon, playing host to a very well organized Harvard team which was brimming with confidence after a very good start to their season. On our end, we were intent on just trying to outwork the Crimson and finish off what ever chances we got to secure a win at home. Despite losing our previous game against BU - and most of the guys still being a bit down from that encounter up at Boston - the coaching staff made sure that we quickly forgot about that game and focused on getting things right for the visiting Harvard.


Well as the game began, both teams came out a little cautious, not trying to give away too much. Most of the first half was like a chess game, with both teams waiting patiently for the other to make a mistake. There wasn't a shot attempt until about 15mins into the game and just from this we (the players) knew this was how the game was going to be as time elapsed.


In games like these, all it takes is just one goal to decide the entire match. As the second half got underway, we decided to take a more straightforward approach and attack Harvard - but so did they - and this was when the game really picked up.


Play after play, each goalkeeper and defender was called to action and no one was better than co-captain Chris Pennock, who stopped two one-on-one attempts at goal with the Harvard forwards. Chris really kept us in the game late on when Harvard was pushing for that winner. However, and at the end of 90mins, we were still deadlocked. This called for golden goal overtime and in the 92nd minute, our GOALden boy of late stepped up and finished the Crimson off. Errko Puranen, got onto a ball played by Gary Crooks behind two of the big Harvard defenders and tucked the ball neatly into the back of net, giving us a well deserved win.


Next up were those Browns Bears, who have gotten the better of us for the past 3 yrs whenever we've played them. This rivalry meant a little more to us this year because it would be the only game against one of our big rivals from Rhode Island since our game against PC was cancelled (due to bad weather) a few weeks ago.


The stands were packed with fans of all ages and alumni from both schools as well as some college professors. (Dr. D, my COM professor, who just can't stand Brown was also in attendance), the atmosphere was definitely set in Providence for another night of great college soccer.


In spite of all this rivalry talk, the game was played in good spirits by both teams as we wore special adidas game jerseys to help raise funds for  Grassroot Soccer, a global AIDS prevention organization. The Rams were in yellow and the Bears were in Red for the game.


From kickoff, anybody watching the game knew that we really wanted to take this one from Brown. We were out flying and clicking offensively and one could just feel that a goal was coming soon. However, the first goal of the match eventually came in the second half and much to our surprise; it came off the infamous flip throw in. For the second year in a row, that throw in has led to our demise up at Brown.


So we were down by a goal, but that was nothing new to the Rams as we've come back from a goal down before. We knew we had what it takes to pull one back. And it nearly came in the very last minutes of the game when the ball was loose in the Bears' defensive area, but we just couldn't get someone on the end of it.


So, we lost the game 1-0, but most of the guys and I knew we played well and represented our school proudly but were just unlucky.


Hopefully this coming weekend we can pull things together and get a couple of much needed wins up at the UMass Invitational where we take on Vermont and Hartford, on Friday and Sunday respectively.


Hope to see you guys out there this weekend... Go Rams!




Sept. 15, 2008 - A weekend of HIGHS and LOWS.


Well, it has been almost two weeks since our last game, so let me update you on what has happened since my last post...


Classes here in Kingston have started up once again and campus has been buzzing with lots of activity - which is to be expected with the start of the new school year.


Nonetheless, we didn't skip a beat and were still training hard in preparation to take on our in-state rivals, Providence College up in Providence. However, due to inclement weather and poor field conditions, the game was eventually cancelled.


Unfortunately, the game will not be rescheduled because setting another date would not be realistic given our already full schedule.


While the PC game was really a disappointment for some of the guys, mostly the seniors and die-hard alumni, who always want us to do well against the Friars, we quickly shifted our focus to our first home game against Albany.


As Friday came (which also happened to be co-captain Chris Pennock's 21st bday) so too did the showers, as well as a very familiar face here at Rhody. (We'll talk more about that face next month when we take on Siena!)


Anyway, the boys were all pumped and ready to go. The game began on a wet Friday evening at the URI Soccer Complex. Against Albany, we came out firing on all cylinders - we were getting in behind them, were more aggressive on the offensive end and tested their goalkeeper early on in the game... But as the game of soccer goes, if you don't put away your chances early on, you give the other team hope.


And this is exactly what happened in the 26th minute when Albany got the opener. While this goal really took us by surprise, we knew that if we kept going we would eventually crack their defense... and that we did! Right before the halftime break, Jamaican defender Dwayne Williams found Finnish forward Errko Puranen streaking through the Great Danes' defense for his first-ever goal in a Rhody uniform.


As the second half began, the heavy rain was the least of our problems. We were really intent on getting the next goal and once again Errko came to our rescue, getting on the end of a loose ball from a corner kick. We were now in front 2-1 with about twenty minutes to go.


Albany then started to pressure us a bit, searching for the equalizer which believe it or not came in the very last minutes of regulation when we switched off defensively.


While everyone in the stands believed that the game was no doubt heading to over-time, we pushed straight from the kick off with Greg Balicki firing a low right footed shot into the corner of the goal to give us the lead and the win with 58 seconds left on the clock.


For any team to come back like that really takes some character and with a team as young as ours, it serves well for the future.


Next up, we were off to Boston University on Sunday and we were really looking to take some of that momentum from Friday into our game against the Terriers. However, we came out a little flat and the home team took us by surprise, quickly getting the early lead. We were basically defending from then on.


BU took advantage of some miscommunication in the back line and we were behind but after our performance on Friday, we knew we were not out just yet. We managed to absorb some of their pressure throughout the remainder of the first half and luckily kept the score at 1-0 thanks to some good saves by Chris.


As the second half got underway, we really pushed forward looking for the equalizer but we were caught out at the back on two separate occasions and were quickly down 3-0.


In moments like these, the best thing you can do is use your head and this is what we definitely didn't do. Our experience (or lack Thereof) was exposed by a very good BU team that made us pay dearly for our mistakes.


Another goal went into our net, freshman back Cody Zane was sent off with a red card and one could sense that Friday's win was nothing but a distant memory.


While the loss really hit us hard, we will bounce back in true Rhody fashion and I can assure you that the guys know what needs to take place when we host Harvard on Wednesday at 5pm.


As Coach said, we need to get back our identity. This basically means that we just cannot depend on one or two people to do the job, we all need to work together for each other... On Sunday, we played like individuals and this is not characteristic of any Rhody team I have ever seen.


As former Rhody player Danleigh Borman would say, we need to Grind, Grind and Grind some more!


See you at the game on Wednesday....




Sept. 1, 2008 - Unity Responsibility Intensity (URI) - 25 guys working as 1.


As the new season gets underway, these are the watchwords that have come to define what our team is all about this season. As the guys arrived on campus on August 12th, everyone (especially the more experienced guys) knew that it was going to be a very tough preseason. All the spots in the starting eleven were up for grabs so this made the training sessions a lot more intense and competitive. What was also interesting was that physically, all the guys came in fit... well, minus one - Josh Gonsalves - who recently had surgery on his ACL.


So, preseason began with all these new faces and personalities in addition to our new assistant coach Rob Czlonka. As nine guys left us last season, nine came in to pick up where those guys left off and carry on that Rhody tradition. One thing I took from preseason this year is that no matter who is on the field, the Rams will definitely be well represented. Everyone on the team has this desire and drive to do well - which I believe comes directly from the coaching staff. They expect a lot from this bunch this season.


During preseason, the Coaches were always pushing us to limits, trying to get us out of our comfort zones. From "Stink Runs" to "Speeds of Soccer" by Coach Bergs - who claims he isn't here to torture us with fitness :) - to Coach OC aka Mount Vesuvius. When you see this sort of commitment and desire to win displayed by the coaching staff on a daily basis, you know that they believe in your ability as players and want to get the best out of you every time you put on the blue and white.


Well, after a very intense but enjoyable preseason, we finally got a chance to show Rhody fans what this year's team can accomplish this past weekend away at  the UNH/Nike Classic Tournament. Although we didn't win the tournament, we came away from New Hampshire with a lot of positives. In our first game on Friday, we played Maine, which is coached by former URI assistant Pat Laughlin - aka Pattycakes - who really wanted to beat us haha! They pounced on us early and took a 1-0 lead about 17mins into the game. However, after some very colorful words by Scotsman Kevin Shaw at the half, we came out and took the game to Maine in the second half eventually winning the game 2-1.


On Sunday, in the second game against host New Hampshire, we really wanted to be more aggressive as the whistle blew. One reason for this was because against Maine, we took too long to get things going and the other reason was that UNH has beaten us ever since I have been here playing for Rhody. This year, we really wanted to beat these guys and both myself, and fellow senior Kevin Hamill made this very clear to the new guys.


From the very beginning we came out with a lot of energy and UNH had no idea what hit them, we were quicker to every ball, a lot more aggressive in every tackle, and playing all over them in every aspect of the game. In the end though, luck just wasn't on our side and the game ended 2-0 in their favor.


While I'm disappointed that we didn't get the win, I can't be upset about the way we played. We showed a lot of character and determination this weekend and never gave up. Everyone gave their all and we can walk away with our heads held high knowing that there is still a lot more games to get luck on our side.


Next up are those guys from Providence College - and you already know this is a big one!!! The game is next Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 3:00pm. The Friars have not beaten us since 2003, so they're definitely gonna be gunning for us - especially since we're playing at their place! That said, we need to have as many of our fans as possible make the trip up to PC to support us as we take on one of our biggest rivals!!!


One more thing before I go... On behalf of the team, I wanna thank all of the alumni for their continued support. We're working hard to make you guys proud!


See you up at PC next Tuesday... Peace.