October 26, 2009

Dear Alumni & Friends,

It was a good weekend in Amherst in spite of the rain and field conditions. It was better then last Sunday versus Temple and fortunately the result was the same. We went into the weekends match with our A-10 travel partner expecting another typical URI vs UMass battle and it ended up being just that in the end.

As expected UMass is a very good team and we both were looking for a positive result as we jockeyed for a place in the Atlantic 10 standings and the subsequent conference tournament down the road here in Kingston. So, this was an important game for everyone. The match started off with a flurry and it didn't take long for your Rams to get on the board. After a UMass foul on the side of the box, Erkko Puranen (Viitisaari, Finland) served a ball to the back post which looked like it might curl out of bounds. But, Andres Ruiz (Providence, RI) got on the end of it, heading back across the goal where Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) redirected in the goal for a 1-0 lead). It was just what we needed and rewarded the guy's for a good start to the game. It was 12 minutes in and we knew that we had a long time to go for it to be over.

In the second half the game went back and forth, mostly played between the 18 yard boxes but none the less both teams threatened. Michael Tanke (Niles, MI) nearly got the insurance goal when he curled a ball which rang the cross bar. UMass put on some added pressure by sticking an additional player up front and earning some dangerous corners but the team stood solid to grind out the win and well deserve shutout against a quality opponent.

If you have seen the A-10 standings as of now, you will notice that this weekend once again becomes a big one for all those involved. So, after a day off yesterday we'll be right back at it to get ready for St. Bonnies and Duquesne this weekend. Both games are doubleheaders with the women's team as they finish off their A-10 schedule. On Friday the women are at 5:00 pm and we play at 7:30 pm and on Sunday the women are at 11:00 am and we kick off at 1:30 pm. Sunday is "Senior Day" so it will add a little more importance to the team then just a "regular" Atlantic 10 match. If you are in the area we hope you can be here for the pre-game ceremony to honor our fourth year team members who will be playing their last regular season match at the URI Soccer Complex.

Before I sign off I just wanted to congratulate Mike Stricklin '77 who was recently voted into the New England Soccer Hall of Fame (http://neshof.org/blog/). He will be inducted on Sunday November 1st at 1:00 pm at the Riviera Inn, Providence, RI along with six others including former US Soccer President Hank Steinbrecher, former US National Team Player Janusz Michalik and Boston College Head men's soccer coach Ed Kelly. He is in good company and I know you will all join me a hearty "well done" for Mike...you will represent URI soccer well!

GO RAMS!
Coach O'C

October 13, 2009

Dear Alums & Friends,

It was a tough, tough weekend on all accounts and I would be lying if I didn't say we were disappointed. It was the beginning of the "second season" and we were confident after our performance up at Binghamton University we were prepared for our Atlantic 10 foes.

Friday's match at Dayton was a rematch of the A-10 Conference Quarterfinal from a year ago. A 3-2 loss in Pittsburgh had left the guy's with a sour taste in their mouths and so they were looking forward to facing the Flyers again. The field conditions were not great as rain had soaked it and a women's game prior to ours went to over-time making our kick-off nearly 9:00 pm. UD came into the game as winners of their last 5 so they exuded confidence which showed at kickoff. Again, our concentration and lack of communication in the first part of the game was a problem allowing Dayton on the board in the first 4 minutes. We had shot ourselves in the foot so to speak but responded well and started to put some things together. In the 32nd minute we were pushed a little deeper in a hole when a dubious at best penalty was called against goalkeeper Chris Pennock (Spennymoor, England) which could have only been called on a wet night with bad footing. We were down 2-0 going into the half but was a position before and new we had the where with all to fight back from.

We started the second half well and began to face a barrage of long balls served up by the Dayton defenders. On the counter it paid off as they found their third goal with the fourth sealing it in the final 5 minutes. The result was poor but the players kept battling to the very end. We scurried back to the hotel like rain soaked rats looking to forget the night and move ahead to Cincinnati.

On Sunday we made some changes and it seemed as though our shuffling paid off. After a hard fought first 45 minutes we came out flying and got what we had come for, a goal, the first of his career, from Matt Preyss (Chagrin Falls, OH) and a laser of a striker just 3 minutes into the second stanza. It didn't take long for us to get the second as just 10 minutes later after a Dom Petrarca (Johnston, RI) curling cross nicked off a Xavier defender and to the feet of senior mid-fielder Gary Crooks (Falkirk, Scotland) who calmly slotted it under the Muskateer goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.

They say that 2-0 is the worst lead to have as one goal let's the other team feel they had a chance and it unfortunately proved true on this day. XU got a fortuitous deflecting off their "flip" throw-in and BANG it was 2-1. The squad seemed to sit back a little too much and began to absorb a aerial assault that was not uncommon for a team looking for the equalizer. In the 88th minute lightning struck and after our defense mis-cleared a ball after being "under nudged" by a XU forward, and the subsequent bouncing ball was rocketed into the net to tie it up. Overtime brought more sadness as again, Xavier was able to capitalize and get the winner and we walked away from the weekend with no points.

I would like to thank all our families and loyal fans who sat in the rain at Dayton as well as travelled down to Cincinnati for the games. The Pryess clan, Hadley & Angie Warwick, John & Valerie Tanke as well as the Gargaro and Ribbens families were a welcome site to a dreary weekend on the field. Following the game I got a chance to catch up with Mark Sauter '07 who came to the match with his dad. Mark is finishing his last year of law school at the University of Cincinnati and is in the process of his job search which he says will be tough with the economy. Any help with leads for Mark is welcome. It was a nice surprise to see him as well as one of my University of Chicago goalkeepers Micah Prochaska and his wife who I literally ran into while eating in Dayton. He is attending medical school at Dayton and was an honorary Ram for a night.

It was a long ride home Sunday (arriving in Providence at 11:45 pm) and yesterday we all took some much needed time to clear the heads and start thinking about the huge weekend that lies ahead. A chance a redemption as two more A-10 foes roll into town for our HOMECOMING. Friday it is the St. Joe's Hawks on a 7:00 pm for a COX televised game on Chariho Youth Soccer Night. Sunday Temple is in Kingston after playing our travel partner UMass so it looks to be another exciting weekend and one where we hope to get back even in the league.

Speaking of HOMECOMING, don't forget that on Saturday October 17th at 10:00 am we will be having an ALUMNI vs. ALUMNI game on the practice field. Registration will begin at 9:00 am and includes coffee, donuts and a FREE t-shirt courtesy of the Office of Alumni Relations. IF YOU PLAN ON COMING AND MORE SO PLAYING PLEASE RSVP TO ME ASAP. Following the game their will be a reception at the URI Athletic tent in Rhodyville with lunch available at a nominal cost. The homecoming football game follows at 12 Noon so come on with your Rhody Blue and join us for a fantastic weekend. For more information and a schedule on the upcoming Homecoming festivities you can contact us or go to the website at http://advance.uri.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/default.htmgo.

Hope to see you all there as the players NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

GO RAMS!
Coach O'C

October 4, 2009

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Well, the non-traditional half of the season is complete and we look forward to our A-10 conference games to begin next weekend. It has been quite a run in the first half here and it culminated with an exciting match up at Binghamton University last night.

It was as good an atmosphere to compete in, as the players will see over their careers. Not only did we play in front of a record crowd of over 2,600 fans, at a first class facility on homecoming weekend - the game was broadcast on Time Warner Cable Sports. Binghamton was also sporting three-year streak where they they had not lost at home. With a loud and boisterous group of supporters called the “Bearcat Hooligans” cheering and jeering from the stands - you bet it was something to be seen!

The game began as we thought it would, full of energy and enthusiasm. One of the themes we had talked about in pre-game was maintaining our concentration and poise through the first 20 minutes of the game. Over the first half of the season this has been a concern as we have conceded the majority of our goals during this time. I was very proud of the guys as they battled through it as Binghamton’s direct style of play which had us on our heals at times.

The back four of Dom Petrarca (Johnston, RI), Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica), Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) and Matt Preyss (Chagrin Falls, OH) absorbed a lot of pressure and goalkeeper Chris Pennock (Spennymoor, England) kept things organized while keeping Binghamton off the board.

After half-time we came out well - as we have all season - with the striking pair of Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland) and Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) threatening several times and thus keeping the Binghamton defense busy. We were rewarded for our perseverance when senior midfielder Kevin Shaw (Denny, Scotland) picked up a miss cleared ball at the top of the box and fired a worm burner that skidded along the field turf hitting the back stanchion of the goal and caromed up into the net for the lead. The homecoming crowd was quieted.

The lead was enjoyed, but short-lived as 10 minutes later Binghamton was able to equalize off a free kick. The battle continued though the end of the half with both teams getting chances to win it - Binghamton hit the crossbar and Michael Tanke (Niles, MI) got a good look at the goal on a break, but put his shot past the right post.

In overtime, we looked strong and it appeared as though we would get the winner several times. The first was when Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) chased one ball on the end line, which a BU defender thought was going out, and fed Erkko Puranen who had his shot blocked. The second was a Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA) half-volley - reminiscent of his Yale game-winner - which almost made it through a forest of BU legs.

We almost had it in the final minute Jamie Eckmayer got behind the Binghamton defense on a pass from Robby Gargaro and lifted a bouncing ball over the goalkeeper that unfortunately deflected off the front of the crossbar and out. It would have been a storybook finish but it wasn’t to be...

Next weekend the second season begins with the opening Atlantic 10 games in Ohio versus Dayton and Xavier. I still believe that these early season games will serve us well in the Conference as they have prepared us for the always competitive A-10 games ahead. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the A-10 Championship, get a first-round bye and advance into the NCAA tournament. It is a realistic goal and our road begins next week.

Before I sign off, I want to thank Brian Bradley for sending along some photos of his brother Michael, who recently shipped out to Afghanistan with the US Army as part of his commitment he made while in medical school. We hope you will keep him in your prayers for a safe six months.

Don’t forget HOMECOMING WEEKEND, October 16-18, and our Atlantic 10 doubleheader weekend/Alumni Game on Saturday the 17th at 10:00 am. Please let us know if you will be coming and especially if you will be playing in the game. Hope to see you all soon….

P.S. Take a look at this blog entry from Binghamton's Sports Communication Office: http://www.bubearcats.com/sports/msoc/2009dailyupdate1004.html

Very nice!..."You stay classy" Rhode Island!

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 29, 2009

Dear Alumni & Friends,

It’s been quite a couple of weeks for us that have included the start of classes and 5 games against some very good teams. Our results have been a little up and down but the quality of play has improved which I feel will serve us well down the road. The competition has been excellent and we have had stretches in those games where we were as competitive and anyone in the region.

Saturday night's match versus Boston University was another such performance that again was a short result for your Rams. The #19 Terriers came to town with a few scalps on their belt including perennial national powerhouses Uconn Huskies (beat 3-0) and St. John’s Red Storm (beat 1-0). So, we knew we had our hands full but were up to the challenge.

We started out the game really well and seemed to be on our way. But on one of just two corners on the night, BU deflected a shot ended that up as goal putting us in the hole 1-0. A second goal just after the halfway point of the first period and BU was in the driver's seat…it would seem. But, the boy’s kept plugging away and their hard work paid off when Reece Markman (Dallas, TX) came off the bench to win a ball back and fed left back Matt Preyss (Chagrin Falls, OH) on a short overlap who clipped the ball into the near post space to a diving Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland) who deposited into the net. That cut the deficit in half at the interval.

In the second half, the momentum had shifted as we pressed for the equalizer. Midfielder Michael Tanke (Niles, MI) and freshmen forward Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) were involved in several dangerous attacks including Thomas’s glance header that unfortunately went right to the Terrier goalkeeper. The guys kept up the intensity where we thought we got the tying goal on Franco LoPresti (Scarborough, Ontario) header that just went over the crossbar. The team fought into the final seconds getting our last gasp on a corner. The ball bounced around and unfortunately we couldn’t get a head, foot, shin or big toe on the rebound. The whistle blew and the visitors narrowly escaped Kingston with the 2-1 victory.

It was a tremendous effort in the end but one that unfortunately didn’t get us the result we wanted. I am confident - when looking at the way we are playing in the latter stages of the games - that we can compete with these nationally ranked teams. But, my biggest concern is maintaining our concentration and organization in the first 20 minutes of the game as that is when the goals we are conceding have been scored. It will be something we will discuss with the team and look for an answer too this week in preparation for our final non-conference game at Binghamton University (NY) next weekend.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 25, 2009

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Sorry for the delay but if you haven't seen the result as of yet we go a very important one Tuesday night down in New Haven at Yale University. Important for a couple of reasons. First coming off our close 5-0 loss to Brown...LOL, we needed to get back on track. Second, to come from behind and win was equally important to the confidence of the team. We nearly did it against Hartford but accomplishing it against the Bulldogs was encouraging and tells me that we are moving forward.

As far as the game is concerned as didn't get off to a great start, allowing Yale to get on the board early in the match. It has been our MO that last few games and this is an area which we need to sort out or it will be the bane of our existence for the remainder of the season. But, to the guy's credit they plugged away and were determined to equalize and then work up from that point.

At the half it was still 0-1 but I felt we had built momentum and were almost there. One of the shifters in that was freshmen Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) who we put up front where he was able to threaten with his speed. Combined with Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland) they caused the Yale back line fits. Errko nearly scored the equalizer less then five minutes into the second half but his attempt pinged off the post. His determination paid off in the 55th minute when he banged in a free kick off a Andres Ruiz (Providence, RI) assist. We continued the pressure and got another couple of chances but regulation ended 1-1.

In overtime we continued our pressure and once again it paid off when junior Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA) ripped a ball which bounced out to him after a near chance by Erkko Puranen and it rocketed into the top left corner. It was quite a strike and one which Greg has repeated numerous times in training and now for a game winner. It was a much needed win and move forward in the season. Next up is 24th nationally ranked Boston University tomorrow night at 7:00 pm here at the URI Soccer complex. It will be the last home game until October 16th as we take to the road for our last non-conference match at SUNY-Binghamton on October 3rd and then open the Atlantic 10 schedule on the road at Dayton and Xavier.It has been a long, hard stretch over the past couple of weeks but I'm proud of how they have handled themselves.

Before I sign off I met yesterday with our development staff and alumni relations coordinator and have finalized the schedule for HOMECOMING 2009! We are really looking forward to it as that is our return home from 2 weeks on the road as well as the home A-10 openers. Here is how the weekend will go:

FRIDAY OCTOBER 16th
7:00 pm URI Men's Soccer vs St. Joe's
*After game there will be a pep rally, bonfire and fireworks for all alums, families and friends.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 17th
9:00 am URI Athletics Alumni Registration (between Beck baseball field & practice soccer) - coffee, donuts and FREE t-shirts.
10:00 am URI Soccer Alumni vs Alumni game
10:45 am 2009 URI Hall of Fame Inductees Plaque unveiling - Ryan Center.
11:00 am Lunch & Reception at the athletic tent in "RHODYVILLE" ($13.50 per person for food & football ticket).
12 Noon Football vs Hofstra

SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th
1:00 pm URI Men's Soccer vs Temple

As you can see it should be a fun filled weekend with a great chance to see this years squad, a traditional homecoming (with TAILGATING NOW) as well as catch up with old friends and teammates. For more information on "Homecoming 2009" go to http://advance.uri.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/default.htm.

We're asking that all alumni who plan on attending fill out the attached registration form and return it BEFORE FRIDAY OCTOBER 9th to reserve your football ticket(s) and lunch voucher. NOTE: football tickets and lunch vouchers will be available for purchase on site but NOT at the pre-registration discounted price.

Got to run and get the boys ready so keep in touch and we hope to see you this weekend at BU as well as HOMECOMING 2009!

GO RHODY!
Coach O'C

September 20, 2009

Dear Alums & Friends,

I woke up this morning and told my wife Sheila I had a nightmare that we got beat 5-0 by Brown...she told me unfortunately it was not a dream. But, I still feel I just woke up from a nightmare anyway. It certainly was a night to forget here in Kingston as we took a drubbing by the inter-state rival Bears. Two pairs of goals less then 3 minutes at crucial junctures of the game did us in. Full marks go to the victors as they were sharp, focused and determined. They are a talented team that will most certainly vie for the Ivy League Title this fall.

The most positive thing that came out for the home side was that we raised over $2,000 for Grassroot Soccer (www.grassrootsoccer.com) during our 2nd Annual fund-raising match. I want to personally thank Brown University men's soccer and Assistant Coach Pat Laughlin who contributed over $500 including a personal donation from Head Coach Mike Noonan. It is certainly a great cause and we are happy that we were able to use soccer to help educate about HIV/Aids in Africa. Thanks to all that attended including the parents and players of Rams Football Club, St. George's School (Newport, RI) and recent alums Kevin Algozer, Jeff Gonsalves and Kevin Hamill.

Anyway, the boy's are obviously not happy with their performance and the only thing we can do is learn from the game and move forward. It is a short break before we meet another Ivy League squad in the Yale University Bulldogs on Tuesday September 22nd at 7:00 pm in New Haven. All the guy's know it is an important for us to take a step forward in our preparations for the remainder of the season. We return to action at home on Saturday September 26th when we host Boston University at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you in CT or at home in the next week.

All the best and GO RHODY!
Coach O'C

September 18, 2009

Dear Alums & Friends,

Sorry for not writing until now but it has been a busy couple of days since our last match on Wednesday night. We have a quick turnover with Brown coming to town tomorrow night here at the URI Soccer Complex.

As we all know soccer is a delicate game and can change in the blink of an eye and feel like a slap in the face. We've all been a part of matches like that and no one feels comfortable when it happens. Wednesday night the first 15 minutes of the match was the difference on the night and although our boy's fought hard to get themselves back in the game, the hole was just a little too deep for us to climb out of against a talented University of Hartford squad. Kudos to them for holding us off as they cleared two off the line and their goalkeeper and defense did well recovering from two breakaway opportunities from Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA) and Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland). On the positive side we did battle and got back into the game just 20 second into the second half when Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland) tallied his first goal of the season. That set the tone for the rest of the match but we just couldn't get the equalizer.

Well, the past is the past and we have to move on and there is not much greater than the inter-state rivalry between the Rhode Island Rams and the Brown Bears. It will be a great game not only because of the intense competition and mutual respect the teams hold for each other but also because it is GRASSROOT SOCCER NIGHT at the URI Soccer Complex. It is the second consecutive year URI and Brown have played a game which benefits Grasroot Soccer, a global aids education and awareness organization. Admission to the game is FREE but we are asking everyone for a minimum $1.00 donation of which ALL PROCEEDS go to Grassroot Soccer. Both URI and Browns men's soccer will be adding to that tally through the purchase of limited addition warm-up jerseys they will wear prior to the game generously donated by both of our apparel sponsors Adidas.

So, we hope that all our local supporters will be there tomorrow night for what is always a great match-up. We have another short week when we are away at Yale on Tuesday September 22nd and home again with Boston University on Saturday September 26th at 7:00 pm. Don't forget Alumni Weekend October 16-18 and our Alumni v. Alumni game at 10:00 am on the 17th.

Keep in touch and GO RHODY!
Coach O'C