September 27, 2010

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Some nights you have to look at a game and just chalk it up to a bad performance. I think after Friday’s 3-0 loss at BU, we just need to put it behind us and move on. I can tell you that everyone was disappointed and the frustration was evident, mostly due to shooting ourselves in the foot more than a few times.

First was conceding the first goal on a free kick that went through the wall. Second was giving up a goal with only 10 seconds left in the first half. The Terriers’ third goal was a cleverly finished ball - but again, a mistake in decision making that is correctable.

Assistant coach Mitch Stone made and interesting observation after the game that URI men’s soccer hasn’t had much historical success over the Terriers who hold a 13-5-2 record over the past 20 years. That darn 3-5-2!

On the night, Peyton Warwick (Prairie Village, KS) was good in goal. When you lose 0-3 that may not be as evident but he made several key saves that could have broken it wide open.

Senior Anthony Tavares (E. Providence, RI) finished up the game in net, keeping things organized in his second appearance of the season.

Jamie Eckmayer (Harrison Park, NJ) had a good match, bringing energy, confidence and enthusiasm to the squad, as did the guys that finished the game - including freshman Josiah Austin ( Arouca, Trinidad) and sophomore Andrew Tetzlaff (Livingston, NJ) who made his first appearance in a Ram uniform.

Yesterday it was a day off and a clinic for the Chariho Youth Soccer Association. For those of you who were there for the Siena game, CYSA held their “Youth Soccer Night” on that date and were there in full force! They had a pot luck tail gate in the Ryan Center parking lot before the game, pre-game festivities including a rally tunnel before the match and half-time entertainment games. We went to their home field of Ninigret Park on Saturday morning for a short clinic/demonstration followed by photos, autographs and give-a-ways. The guys even joined in some of the games (no scoring of course). It was a beautiful summer like day and a nice way to thank CYSA for their support of URI Soccer.

Now, we get back to training in preparation of our trip to Tampa for a Wednesday night match-up at South Florida. While there, we hope to catch up with former URI Coach Geza Henni who lives in Tampa, as does son Geza Henni Jr. ’82, so if you will be down for the game let me know so you can join us for dinner.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 23, 2010

Dear Alumni & Friends,

When we were on our way back from Boston College the other night, I have to admit that we were all a little disappointed. We could look on the bright side and say we hung with the #10 ranked team in the country (now 5th ranked) for 80 plus minutes but we’re not much into moral victories. What I can say is that we had chances to beat the highly ranked Eagles but couldn’t capitalize on their mistakes and, in the end, they caught us twice.

It was a beautiful night in Chestnut Hill, at a beautiful soccer complex - which, funny enough, was designed and built by our own URI alum Pat Maguire ‘82 and his Stantec consulting firm. Pat was there, as was Dan Brownridge ‘01, and a nice group of parents and friends including the Eckmayers, Morans and even freshmen Jon Cloutier’s parents who came all the way from Hawaii.

The game started off well as the guys played the Eagles even for the first 45 minutes of the match. Although, statistically it looked as though BC had the edge, their chances were easily handled by Peyton Warwick (Prairie Village, KS) or sailed high over the crossbar on a shot from 30 yards. The best chances came from the visitors including David Malloy (Oxford, England) and Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA).

On the defensive side, it was nice to have Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica) back in the line-up along with his “Friday the 13th” style mask custom made to protect the orbital bone he broke scoring against Bryant.

At half-time, the sideline was buzzing as the squad knew they had done well to that point but we still had more inside. Being the underdog, the longer the game went on tied the better it was for us. As the game wore on, the momentum on both sides increased creating chances.

Peyton Warwick came up big on a semi-breakaway and David Malloy nearly chipped the Eagle net-minder. Then, in the 80th minute, a rather innocuous cross turned into a well headed goal from 16 yards out and the home team had the lead. A insurance goal less than 5 minutes later sealed the game and left us all a little gutted.

The bus ride home was a quiet one, as everyone seemed to be taking some time to think about what had transpired and the opportunity missed. But, you can’t dwell on what can’t be changed as we have a short turnaround in preparation for our next match against Boston University - Friday night at Nickerson Field.

Last year we dropped a close 1-2 decision at home, so motivation for a result shouldn’t be a problem. We continue to develop as a team and if we keep at it the results will take care of themselves.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 20, 2010

Dear Alumni & Friends,

What a night! It was a beautiful nearly fall evening at the URI Soccer Complex. It was a busy one as not only were we hosting the home opener of 2010 but it was also the 3rd Annual Grassroot Soccer Fundraiser game as well as Chariho Youth Soccer Night. Everything was lined up to be a great night and in the end a 2-1 overtime win over the Siena Saints capped it off.

This game is always a tough one as Siena is coached, as many of you know, by URI soccer standout and my former Assistant Coach Gareth Elliott along with his classmate and Assistant Ahmed Manning ‘02. At the end of the night someone is going to be disappointed and for the last two years the Saints have had the upper hand.

Prior to the game was an amazing site…about 300+ Chariho Youth Soccer parents and players tailgating in the Ryan Center parking lot while on the other side of the complex our own Rams FC families were doing the same. As people started to file in we could tell it was going to be a good night all around. The guy’s were treated to a awesome “Rally Tunnel” by the CYSA players and following the other pre-match festivities, the game was on.

We were fortunate to get things going pretty quickly, generating a couple of good chances early with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. We nearly got on the board with a David Malloy (Oxford, England) chance in close as well as another by Jon Pereira (Barrington, RI). Things calmed down and bit and Siena had their share of threats through their speedy forward and Norwegian wide player. We regained a good rhythm that carried us into half-time 0-0.

We came out fast again in the second half and the effort paid off as Malloy cleverly put Reece Markman (Dallas, TX) through the Saints defense and he in turn curled a great cross to the back post that was met by a sliding Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA) for the 1-0 lead. We nearly got another minutes later on another Balicki blast but only an outstanding save by the Saints goalkeeper Phil Chabot who is from Smithfield, RI stopped us from extending the lead.

Siena is a much better squad then their record shows and we knew they would not go down without a battle. So, Rams goalkeeper Peyton Warwick (Prairie Village, KS) was pressed and called upon to make a couple of outstanding saves to keep the home team on top. But, the opportunistic Saints got the chance they were looking for equalizing on an angled free kick. It was no surprise that now it would go down to the wire as it had the past two seasons.

It only took about four minutes into the overtime for the boy’s to find joy. After a run forward by spearheaded by a Balicki and Malloy combination, a ball slipped in behind the Saints defense was deflected by their central defender to their left back who attempted to clear it. But, “Johnny on the Spot” sophomore Jamie Eckmayer (Harrison Park, NJ) blocked the clearance and finished it for the game winner.

At the end I was extremely happy with the entire event as almost everyone was a winner. We got the win, which was really important at this stage in our development as a team, the fans were treated to an exciting game with their home town Rams coming out on top and we raised over $2,000 for Grassroot Soccer.

The next week or so we hit the road for games that will give us a gauge on where we are as we take on nationally ranked Boston College on Tuesday September 21st, New England rival Boston University on Friday September 24th and then travel to Big East powerhouse University of South Florida on Wednesday September 29th. We return home on Saturday October 2nd for the final game of the non-conference season to face the Fairfield University Staggs at 7:00 pm.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 14, 2010

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Not a great weekend for the Rams as we travelled to Norfolk, VA to play in Old Dominion’s Stihl Soccer Classic. Going in, we knew that it would be very good competition and a tremendous challenge, especially considering we were without the services of senior central defender Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica) who was injured in Monday’s match vs. Bryant. So, needless to say, the team boarded the plane for Virginia ready to take on the challenge.

On Friday night against host Old Dominion, the crowd of nearly 2,000 rabid Monarch fans created a tremendous atmosphere. ODU had entered the game with two impressive opening wins on the season, so we certainly had our hands full. The game started fast and furious, and the boys created some great early chances forcing several corners. ODU weathered the storm and got on the board first on a classy finish from their leading scorer Chris Harmon, who played in the same FC Delco club soccer program as freshmen Tom Palmer (Hummelstown, PA).

The team pressed on in the second half and it looked like we might finally be literally one up on the hosts when Reece Markman (Dallas, TX) received a pass and was hauled down going past the final ODU defender. However, only a caution was issued and the ensuing free kick went over the top. At the interval, we had outshot the hosts, 6-5, and out cornered them, 8-3, but had nothing to show on the scoreboard. We continued to press in the second half but only ODU could find the net, the insurance goal and the victory.

Sunday, we matched up against William & Mary, which had come from behind to defeat a very athletic West Virginia Mountaineer squad, 2-1, on Friday. The boys were really motivated and looked sharp but an early soft goal on a miscommunication led to an early lead for W&M just 2:22 into the match. We plugged along and looked very good on the attack with some great interchanges.

But, at nearly the 30 minute mark, a foul (and subsequent dubious penalty call) became the game changing moment. Instead of being 0-1 down and gaining momentum, we were in a much more difficult position. Trailing by two in the second half, we once again we thought we would get some help when - for the second time in three days - David Malloy (Oxford, England) was taken down going through the Tribe defense and, although a fall wasn’t called, W&M continued to play with 11 players. I give the boys a lot of credit as they continued to press for a goal but with that, you can expose yourself as a team - and we did so twice, conceding 2 more goals in the final 20 minutes for the 4-0 final.

On the bright side, I believe that we are making progress individually with players like Jon Cloutier (Honolulu, HI) who made his first collegiate start, playing nearly all of both games, as well as Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL), who is really growing into his own. In addition, I though the quality of our play from the ODU game to William & Mary was excellent and that we can build on for our next match.

Finally, it was nice to see sophomore defender Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) and senior midfielder Michael Tanke (Niles, MI) honored as part of the All-Tournament team.

Well, it’s on to the next match and a good week of training in preparation for the home opener this Saturday September 18th versus URI Alum Gareth Elliott and his Siena College Saints at 7:00 pm at the URI Soccer Complex. As I noted in the last email, this is not only is the game the first home match of the year but also our 3rd Annual Grassroot Soccer fundraising game. As many of you know Grassroot Socceris a non-profit Aids/HIV education organization that uses soccer to send their message of responsibility and abstinence to the children of Africa. Admission is FREE to the game but we are asking that those in attendance make a donation ($5 for adults, $1 for children and students) of which all proceeds go directly to this great cause. We are also hosting Chariho Youth Soccer that night and hope you will be able to join us.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 9, 2010

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Sorry for the delay in the postgame email but we’ve been trying to sort some things out as classes begun today. Anyway, we had an exciting finish to the first annual Ocean State Soccer Classic with a 3-2 win over interstate rival Bryant University.

It was a beautiful day in Providence and Stevenson Field at host Brown University was in excellent condition. We had a lot of family and alums there, as well as some special friends including former URI men’s soccer strength & conditioning coach and good pal Doug Stone (who was at the PC game and I missed mentioning him). It was beautiful weather and an excellent atmosphere and we couldn’t have asked for anything more on the day.

With all this, we got a great start to the game and within minutes the first goal of the game. After pressing Bryant and earning a corner senior defender Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica) hammered - and I do mean hammered! - home a Jonathan Pereira (Barrington, RI) service. The ball exploded off his head and we were on the board. Minutes later, we almost got our second but defender Eric Hutson (St. Charles, MO) put a volley just over the bar. But we did get the second on a wonderful pass from redshirt freshmen Joey Haught (Brecksville, OH) to midfielder Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) who slotted it past the Bulldogs goalkeeper.

We looked as though we were on our way and cruising but soccer is a funny game as it doesn’t take long for a team to get back in the game and Bryant did just that…in just a minute. The Bulldogs scored their first off a free kick and the second on a counter to knot the game at 2-2 at the half.

We regrouped at the interval and began to string some passes together as well as create some chances. Dwayne Williams nearly got his second of the day but only a good save but the Bryant keeper kept him off the board. The guys kept plugging away and, with about 2 minutes to go freshmen, defender Jon Cloutier (Honolulu, Hawaii) intercepted a ball and while stumbling, redirected to sophomore Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) who in turn fed junior forward Reece Markman (Dallas, TX) running through the Bulldog defense. Reece collected the pass, drew the GK and slid it across to Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) who one timed it into an open goal for the game winner. It was an exciting end to the game but I would have preferred it a little easier as you can imagine.

Well, we are off today to Norfolk, VA to play in the Old Dominion University/Stihl Soccer Classic. We play the host ODU Monarchs on Friday at 7:00 pm and then CAA foe William & Mary on Sunday at Noon. I have heard it is a great event and I know we are all looking forward to going their and competing against two very good teams.

Before I sign off I want to welcome back former URI Ram and former captain Callum Bissett who just returned to campus to begin a graduate degree in Systems Engineering. We are excited to get Callum involved with the program while he is here and also to have him working with our youth club Rams FC.

Finally, a reminder that the home opener is a little over a week away on Saturday September 18th when we meet URI Alum Gareth Elliott and his Siena College Saints at 7:00 pm at the URI Soccer Complex. Not only is the game the home opener but is also our 3rd Annual Grassroot Soccer fundraising game. As many of you may know Grassroot Soccer is a non-profit Aids/HIV education organization that uses soccer to send their message of responsibility and abstinence to the children of Africa. Admission is FREE to the game but we are asking that those in attendance make a donation of which all proceeds go directly to this great cause. We are hosting Chariho Youth Soccer that night and hope you will be able to join us.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 3, 2010

Dear Alumni & Friends,

The season opened yesterday and unfortunately we were on the losing end of a 2-1 result at intrastate rival Providence in the first semi-final of the 1st annual Ocean State Classic. The match was played in the 94 degree heat of the day that didn’t help either team in the end. It was nice to see a good group of alums and families including Gareth Elliott (I’m sure scouting us after his Siena Saints big 5-1 win over Syracuse Wednesday), Kevin Kennedy, Mario Pereira and Lonny Unger as well as the Tanke’s, Haught’s, Balicki’s, Kuklinski’s, Dragon’s and defender Eric Hutson (St. Louis, MO) mom who was there to celebrate his 21st birthday. Hopefully I didn’t miss anyone...

Anyway, it was a tale of two halves as the Friars dominated possession, but we got on the scoreboard first - just 2 minutes into the game. Senior defender Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica) drove a long pass into the PC defensive third where the ball skimmed off one of their central defenders and over their goalkeeper for an own goal. Before the half would end, we would trade bad goals as a miscommunication at the back allowed one of the Providence forwards to slip in and intercept the ball, dribble around goalkeeper Peyton Warwick (Prairie Village, KS) and deposit it into an open goal for the 1-1 tie. Our guy’s nearly got the lead back when a Jon Pereira (Barrington, RI) driven cross found midfielder Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) at the back post but his shot went high.

The second half was a different story as the boy’s began to connect passes in combination with Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL), Joey Haught (Brecksville, OH) and freshmen forward Tom Palmer (Hummelstown, PA) leading the charge. The pin point passing created numerous opportunities including one for senior Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA), Eckmayer from an angle and Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) and Palmer on a 2 on 1 break whose final pass was played too far ahead. The Friars got the last chance when with 3 minutes left following a Ram turnover, a nifty bent cross found a diving Friar player for the winner.

After a day off and some much needed rest from the heat we’ll be back at it on Saturday in preparation for the consolation game of the Ocean State Classic on Monday at Brown University. We will play the loser of the Bryant vs Brown game that is later today in Smithfield. Hopefully Hurricane Earl will not interfere with the game being played as the nasty weather is not supposed to get to Rhode Island until after midnight. If this is the case then the game will be played on Saturday and the result known then.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C