September 24, 2007

As you can imagine, it hasn't been a happy weekend here in Kingston as the squad suffered another frustrating defeat, Friday night to Boston University. It looked to be a great day, beginning with tremendous weather, a heartfelt letter of support from URI alum and 2006 All-American Jeff Gonsalves in pre-game and a great crowd which included youth players from all over the state for Soccer Rhode Island Night. It all looked to be going our way...

I think we all felt that we were prepared after a great week of training and some tweaking with the line-up to accommodate missing Lukasz Tumicz (Bistzynek, Poland) who is struggling with a nagging injury. We chose to keep him out in order to have him ready for Atlantic 10 play down the road.

We started off the game really well and we seemed to be firing on all cylinders. We were able to create a few chances and limited BU to some routine defensive clean-ups. But like many of our games so far this season, a little lapse in concentration and all of the sudden the Terriers are on the board. It was a shock to us and the crowd of over 1,100. We rebounded well and almost equalized when Geoff Cameron (N. Attleboro, MA) got through on the goal and just shot wide.

Both teams settled down and the play seemed to even out. It looked as though we would get into the half without further damage. But, a controversial foul just outside the box was converted into another goal and we now had a real up-hill climb.

The second half started as the first but we were able to maintain pressure and threaten the BU goal. It looked as though we would make the last 15 minutes exciting when Callum Bissett (Pencaitland, Scotland) headed a cross in but was whistled offside. The game ended in a 2-0 loss for us and our frustration continued...

It's a funny thing because I feel so strongly that we are on the verge of bursting out - but just need a little luck. I know the boys are putting their hearts, legs and souls into the games and do not deserve these results. As their coach, I have to take responsibility for the results as I am the one who is training and preparing the team for these contests. I can assure you they are putting in the effort so I need to make sure they have a way to create chances and keep the ball out of our net.

Up next is a game at the University of Hartford on Friday at 6:00 p.m., followed by a match at home against the Black Bears of the University of Maine on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. That day we will we welcome back to campus former assistant coach Pat Laughlin, who took over in Orono last winter.

Well, we had some exciting news this past week when we found out that our match on October 14th versus the University of Dayton will be broadcast, live, on Cox Sports Rhode Island. Play-by-play will be done by our fantastic PA announcer and alum Mike Mancuso with former-Ram (and son of my predecessor, Eddie Bradley) Michael Bradley, doing the color commentary. It will be a great way to cap off Homecoming Weekend!

Speaking of Homecoming, a second reminder about what we have planned for HOMECOMING 2007. The schedule is as follows:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12th
6:00 p.m. Match vs. Xavier University
8:00 p.m. Rhody Rally in Keaney Gym
9:45 p.m. Fireworks behind Keaney Gym

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13th
10:00 a.m. - Alumni vs. Alumni Game (odd years versus even)
Noon - Alumni, Parents & Friends BBQ (located in "Rhodyville" in front of Keaney)
1:00 p.m. - Homecoming Football game vs. James Madison

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14th
1:00 p.m. - Match vs. University of Dayton

As you can see, it's going to be a tremendous weekend. The cost of the weekend will be $25 per person which will include a limited-edition URI Soccer Homecoming t-shirt, BBQ and ticket to the football game.

So, let us know if you are going to be coming so we can get a count for the BBQ and have a t-shirt for you (send us your size). If you can't be there and you want to help underwrite the weekend feel free to help at whatever level you feel is appropriate.

Well, that's it for now. We appreciate your continued support and hope to see you soon.

All the best...GO RAMS!

Coach O'C