WHEW! We knew it was coming and I am so happy for the guys that their hard work has paid off. Sunday was a strange match as we were not only facing off against my alma mater the University of Maine but the team is now being coached by former URI assistant coach Pat Laughlin. Games like this can always be strange because as good of friends as we all are, and as much as we follow one another's progress, all of the sudden we are competitors.
We knew that it would be a good game as Pat is a good coach and would have the Black Bears organized and ready for a squad that he knows very well. The beginning of the game started off well as the teamwork and sharing of the ball paid off with a well-placed header from Kedan Crosby (St. James, Trinidad) from Danleigh Borman (Capetown, South Africa) found its way into the net and there was a collective sigh of relief... at least from the old coach on the sideline!
A second goal followed about 10 minutes later when Geoff Cameron (Attleboro, MA) slipped a pass to Lukasz Tumicz (Biznytek, Poland) who blasted it in the net. The goal was great but the build-up even better.
Maine responded with one of its own to make it 2-1 but a goal wasn't all we lost as just before the half an accidental collision of Kevin Algozer (Northport, NY) and a Black Bear player resulted in stitches for Gozer and 9 staples in the head for our opponent. It was not something you would have wanted to be the result of two competitors going at it. We're just glad they are both ok!
In the second half, we were fortunate to extend the lead on goals about 10 minutes apart from Tumicz and Greg Balicki. Balicki's goal was the first of his URI career and came on a well executed free kick from about 30 yards out. I'm sure its a moment Greg won't forget as he was mobbed by his teammates. The team finished the game out well and was happy for the final score.
After a nice day off today, we're back to training tomorrow in preparation for this weekend's match at the University of Richmond. Although the Spiders are in the Atlantic 10, the game does not count towards our A-10 record as they are one of four teams not in our league rotation this season. It will be a re-match of the 2006 A-10 Tournament semifinal game, so we know it will be a good one.
Before I sign off, Homecoming is just around the corner and we've heard from a few of you who have said you are coming. PLEASE E-MAIL AND LET US KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE HERE SO WE CAN BE SURE TO HAVE ENOUGH FOOD AND T-SHIRTS FOR EVERYONE!
The cost of the event is $25.00 which includes a limited edition Homecoming t-shirt designed by our assistant coach Mitch Stone, a BBQ and ticket to the football game... So, let us know NOW if you will be in attendance as we must purchase everything in advance. It should be a wonderful weekend with our Xavier & Dayton games, alumni vs. alumni match, the BBQ and the traditional homecoming football game.
Well, that's about it from here. We're back on track and appreciate all the e-mails and calls of support and encouragement. Keep the faith and we hope to see you in a couple of weeks...
GO RAMS!
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