October 16, 2012

Dear Alumni & Friends,


I apologize for not getting to you sooner but it was a busy Monday after the first Atlantic 10 doubleheader weekend of the season. It was also URI Family weekend so we had a great crowd of family and friends on hand for both games. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out as we wanted with a 0-0 draw to league leader Temple on Friday and a overtime loss to St. Joe’s on Sunday but we are still in the thick of things going into our first away doubleheader weekend of the year at George Washington and Charlotte.

It was a cold night on Friday but we came out on fire in the opening half of the first period. Temple got their legs under them and deserved a goal for their efforts but goalkeeper Thomas Spenser (Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) thwarted their best attempt of the night. We went into half-time with no goals on the scoreboard.

The second half started out a bit slow but in the final 25 minutes and into overtime the game was really ours to win. We kept control of the ball and got forward creating chances for Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) as well as Mike Casey (Wakefield, RI) and Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) but got no joy in the end.

In the overtime we clearly dominated with 5 to 1 in corners and 8 to 2 in shots but just couldn’t get the game winner. Gaining a point was valuable but a win would have been nice if we had know the outcome of Sunday.

Sunday we came out again well scoring the first goal on a blast from Matt Ribbens into the left side netting on a Sykes assist. It looked as though we were on our way but a scrappy goal by a scrappy St. Joe’s team tied 1-1 going into the half.

Both teams started the second half with divergent tactics, our boy’s looking to possess and work the ball forward while SJU played longer and looked to counter. Their tactics worked first as they took advantage of a counter to go ahead 2-1. We got ourselves into a further hole when Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) was sent off in the 68th minute for a foul forcing us to play down a man the rest of the way. The boy’s kept playing and were determined to bring the game even. And we did just that when sophomore forward Ross Morison (Linlithgow, Scotland) hammered a ball into the top left corner from 22 yards out. We kept fighting but luck just didn’t look to be on our side on the day as Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ), Matt Ribbens and Matt Skykes all hit the post on what would have been the equalizer or go ahead goal. A short time into the 1st OT the Hawks scored another determined yet scrappy goal for the game winner.

I would be lying to say we weren’t all disappointed but we are still in the thick of things going into this away weekend. We have fate in our own hands and have the ability to be able to carry it through. I am confident the boy’s know what is at stake and will come through. BTW, thanks to all our parents for the fantastic post game tailgate which helped at least a little to distract us from the disappointment of the afternoon.

Alums and friends don’t forget HOMECOMING WEEKEND OCTOBER 26-28 with games versus Duquesne and St. Bonaventure as well as an alumni v. alumni game on Saturday morning. Sunday is also our Senior Day so it is a weekend full of excitement. Please let us know if you will be coming.

Take care and GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

October 8, 2012

Dear Alums & Friends,


We got the conference schedule off to a great start with a convincing 3-1 win over New England rival the University of Massachusetts here at the URI Soccer Complex. It was the first time being home since playing UNH and only 3rd game on our pitch since the beginning of the season so the guys were excited to be on campus.

After a beautiful afternoon in Kingston the clouds rolled in and the skies opened up with an intense rain shower. It suited us well as we continued the storm at the kick-off, soaking the Minutemen with pressure and creating several good chances in the opening 20 minutes. We broke through in the 36th minute after Ross Morison (Linlithgow, Scotland) took a shot from 18 yards that the UMass GK was unable to hold. Sophomore Michael Casey (Wakefield, RI) scampered in and rebounded the ball for his team leading 5th goal of the season.

After the interval we came out buzzing again with some crisp passing and combination play which had us slicing through the Minutemen defense. In the 71st minute we gave ourselves a cushion on what will be a candidate for our goal of the year.

After an entry pass to Joey Haught (Brecksville, OH) 25 yards out, Alan Hernandez (Pearland, TX) overlapped on his left and Joey lifted the ball over the UMass back line and Alan drove a ball across the box where Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) one-timed it for his second goal of 2012.

We put the game out of reach in the 81st minute on a counter where Mike Casey and Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) combined for a nifty 1-2 on the top of the box that Syksey completed by curling it into the side netting. Only a PK on a hand ball in the final 6 seconds spoiled the clean sheet but more importantly it was a win and a great start to the Atlantic 10 season.

The evening turned out to be a wonderful one with our parents tailgating in the Ryan Center lot and Ocean State Youth Soccer on hand for our annual Grassroot Soccer Fundraiser. Even with initial rain that scared away some supporters we raised over $600 for GRS.

Next we turn our attention to our first A10 doubleheader weekend when Temple University comes to town on Friday October 12th at 7:00 pm followed by St. Joe’s on Sunday October 14th at 1:00 pm. It is family weekend here at URI so we hope to see you all here.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

October 1, 2012

Dear Alumni & Friends,


Believe it or not we’ve reachedthe mid-point of the season, completing the non-conference portion of our schedule. So, that means that Atlantic 10 play is right around the corner. The boy’s are excited about it as the first half of the season did not play out the way we all wanted. But it has taught us some lessons and showed as the areas we need to continue to work on in order to put us in the best position in the A-10.

Saturday night we travelled to Fairfield University for a single game before taking on the A-10. We came out of the gate very well with crisp passing and excellent movement off the ball. Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) was on his game and we got some great attacking play from the midfield of Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England), Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) and Michael Casey (Wakefield, RI) who was a target of some hard tackles. The Stags were a big team and playing fairly direct but our guy’s competed and the second ball was ours for most of the half. Mikey Welsh (Dalgety Bay, Scotland), who had his best match since coming bak from injury, and iron man Robbie Gargaro (Naperville, IL) thwarted what chances Fairfield had with excellent tactical play. Although I felt as though we had momentum as the first half ticked down, neither team was able to get on the board.

The second half began and Fairfield was now the aggressor. In retrospect it was a shame there had to be half-time as didn’t take long for Staggs to get on the board in the 51st minute. We began to push the pace again but as it can happen in games you are chasing, you can expose yourself and the home team capitalized putting an insurance goal on the board in the 74th minute. In the end we just didn’t have enough in our locker to overcome the deficit and a disappointing 2-0 loss.

It has been a difficult stretch as you can imagine but the boy’s continue to work hard and develop as the season progresses. We knew the first part of the schedule would be tough and frankly we all expected better. We are excited the Atlantic 10 season is upon us as this has always been what we have been preparing for since last fall.

After a recovery session yesterday and day off today we will be back at in preparation for the opening A-10 game versus our New England rivals University of Massachusetts on Saturday October 6th at 7:00 pm here at the URI Soccer complex. We have been the road warriors in the first half of the season with only 2 home games so we welcome playing 5 of our last 9 matches at our friendly confines here in Kingston.

At the UMass game we will be welcoming the Exeter-West Greenwich Youth Soccer program as our special guests. It is also our 6th Annual Grassroot Soccer fundraiser night too. As many of you already know Grassroot Soccer  is a global aids education organization that uses soccer to get the message of HIV/Aids to the youth of African countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia. Over the past 5 years we have raised close to $8,000 through donations at the gate and in the stands during the game. So, I hope you can join us or if you can’t you will donate to this very worthy cause.

Don’t forget HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2012, October 26th – 28th. It’s a jam-packed three days of A-10 Soccer (Friday vs. Duquesne @7 pm, Sunday vs. St. Bonaventure @ 1 pm) as well as a Alumni vs. Alumni small sided game and pre-football game luncheon. More details will follow but make sure you get it on your calendar. Hope to see you all then…

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 27, 2012

Dear Alums & Friends,


The day after a hard fought and disappointing game result is always tough. Everyone does a little soul searching on the bus ride home and some of us are up in the middle of the night thinking and plotting the next move....luckily my wife Sheila is a former college coach and understands it all. Our 4-2 loss to Boston College was not what we were looking for but as we have told the players, the season is a process and in our minds one that should peak in the Atlantic 10 season which begins in a short two weeks.

Coming off the thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against UNH, we recovered and prepared for the always tough Eagles of Boston College of the ACC. BC had some up and down results and we felt as if we stuck to our game plan we could get the result we wanted. A year earlier hear in Kingston we conceded a goal in the first 10 minutes of the game and proceeded to dominate them after that so we were confident going into the game.

The team came out a little slow and flat and with that came the worst case scenario, BC scoring the first 10 minutes of the game. We had short stretches of good play after that wake up, picking up lose balls and trying to get at their back four and threaten which we did but with no results. Unfortunately individual mistakes led to 2 more goals against the run of play and at the half we had dug ourselves a deep hole.

We came out of the interval with guns a blazing, pressing the hosts and were rewarded with sophomore Michael Casey’s (Wakefield, RI) 4th goal of the year.  Senior Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) cut a ball back on the left flank and delivered a cross that sophomore forward Ross Morison (Linlithgow, Scotland) headed down for the finish. It looked like we were on our way but another errant pass led to a man down goal to put a cushion on the home team lead. We kept pressing and competing and again found joy when super senior Brett Uttley (Jamestown, RI) clipped a ball over the Eagle right back to a streaking Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) who volleyed an angled ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to cut their lead in half.

We again kept pressing as the game got more physical with time ticking down and we were not able to get any closer when the final whistle blew. It was certainly a tale of two halves as our performance in the second half clearly exceeded that in the first. It was nice to have Mikey Welsh (Dalgety Bay, Scotland), Joey Haught (Brecksville, OH) and Ross Morison making their first appearances back from injury. We are nearly back at full strength as A10’s approach. Keep your fingers crossed that we also have Bryce Naples (Edinburgh, Scotland) and Ryan Oakley (Norwich, England) who have been patiently waiting on the NCAA to rule on their NCAA eligibility status. They have yet to be able to play this season and will be eligible for sure next but we would love to have them now.

As always we had a great fan turnout at the game with our steadfast parents of the Eckmayers, Micheletti’s, Uttley’s, Hess’, Bob Gargaro, Debbie Ribbens, Trevor Peter Moran as well as Dan Brownridge ‘01 who was there for the first half with his wife who is due in March. Pat McGuire ‘92, who firm designed and built the BC soccer complex, was scheduled to be there but was held up with another project scheduling issue.

On to the final game of the non-conference season as we travel to the Fairfield University at 7:00 pm on Saturday September 29th.  Both my father and brother are graduates of Fairfield so I’m sure their will be a little Stagg versus Ram and who has the strongest horns/antlers ribbing going on this week.

Finally, following the FU game we open our Atlantic 10 Conference season when we host the University of Massachusetts on Saturday October 6th at 7:00 pm here at the URI Soccer Complex. That night is also our Annual Grassroot Soccer fundraiser. Donations for entry will be taken at the gate with all proceeds going to this global aids education through soccer organization. Hope to see you all there!

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 19, 2012

Dear Alumni & Friends,


It sure was an exciting one last night and another step forward in our development as a team. We gritted out a 4-3 overtime victory over the University of New Hampshire on a blustery night here in Kingston. Rain was forecasted earlier in the day but what little precipitation that came in overtime didn’t damper our supporters, our effort and ultimately the result.

The game couldn’t have started out better for us as crisp passing combined with well timed runs got us into great scoring positions. We were dominating and our speed of play paid off in the 10th minute when Brett Uttley (Jamestown, RI) fired a shot on the face of the goal that deflected off a Wildcat defender and past his own GK into the side netting. We kept up our tempo and increased the lead to 2-0 when Michael Casey (Wakefield, RI) rifled a left footed shot off a miss-cleared ball for his second goal of the season. We continued to look dangerous while holding UNH’s counter attack to a minimal number of chances.

In the second half with the wind across us and UNH pressing the tide changed and the visitors got one back in the 55th minute and tied it in the 74th minute on a rebound after a good save by goalkeeper Thomas Spenser (Hasting on Hudson, NY). The Wildcats had climbed back into the game by their direct style of play combined with some untimely errors. Things looked dreary when in the 84th minute UNH would score what appeared to be the game winner. Our boy’s plugged along and we inserted goalkeeper Adam Blanchard (Scarborough, ME) in order to use his weapon of a leg to put pressure on the UNH back line in the final minutes. It paid off and with only 6 TICS OF THE CLOCK, Michael Casey scored his second of the night off a Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) cross to send it to extra time.

We took the wind in the overtime and continued to push for the golden goal....and we got it! Freshmen midfielder Oscar Soons (Breda, Netherlands) slipped and fantastic pass through 2 UNH defenders to senior Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) who went in all alone from the right, shot, had it initially saved but slotted home his own rebound for the winner.

It was a great team effort and the kind of never say die attitude we needed at this point in the season. The boy’s stepped up to the challenge of a tough game considering some key players were out with injuries (Mikey Welsh – Plantar Fasciitis, Joey Haught – quad strain, Ross Morison – quad strain, Jamie Eckmayer – broken nose).

Before I sign off I got a chance to see my college coach Jim Dyer this past Sunday at the URI vs. Maine women’s game (he is a volunteer assistant for the Black Bear women in his retirement). We had a chance to catch up and the next day he sent me an email with some nice reflections on his career. In it he wrote:

“One of the things that my return to coaching has taught me is that you can coach 'til the cows come home', but sometimes the players have to just go thru the process and learn from the experience of games (sometimes with unsuccessful results) in order to learn what you were trying to coach all along.”

This has certainly held true for our boy’s and it will not surprise me how a game like last night could be the springboard for the future success of the team.

We now have a week off until we travel to Chestnut Hill to face the Boston College Eagles on Tuesday September 25th at 4:00 pm. Hope to see you there as it is another great challenge.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 17, 2012

Dear Friends & Alumni,

It’s a beautiful here in Rhode Island today after a gloomy evening last night at Holy Cross were we dropped a tough 2-1 decision to the Crusaders. We went into the game with 6 players out and unable to play facing a team that was desperate for a win.

We started the game well and were firing on all cylinders but after some successful attack forward but the lost our way after HC weathered the storm. The hosts scored off a full volley that was miss cleared onto the top of the box. Freshmen redshirt goalkeeper Thomas Spenser (Hasting on Hudson, NY) kept the game close with several excellent saves including one of a free kick and another shot from distance he guided around the post.

After a couple of adjustments including bringing on speedy junior forward Andy Hess (North Kingstown, RI) the changes paid off as he earned himself the first goal of his career off an assist from Alan Hernandez (Pearland, TX) knotting the score at 1-1 going into the half.

The second half started as well as the first but again we couldn’t sustain pressure on the Crusaders enough to be able to capitalize. Again “Spense” kept the game tied which included a fantastic double save from point plank range. In the 79th minute several breakdowns led to the hosts getting getting the lead and after furious attack in the final 10 minutes we found no joy.

As I said to the players following the game, we are close but it is going to take the sum of our parts to get us into the victory column. Our brains have to be as strong as our legs and we’ll get that chance again on Tuesday September 18th when we face the University of New Hampshire at the URI Soccer Complex at 7:00 pm. It is South County Youth Soccer Night and we need everyone’s support in getting us moving in the right direction.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 11, 2012

Dear Alums & Friends,

We got back late last night from our trip to the Windy City. It was a homecoming of sorts for our Chicagoland seniors Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) and Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) as well as for me, as I spent 11 years coaching at the University of Chicago prior to arriving in Kingston. We were there for the NIU adidas Invitational, where we played two 2011 NCAA Tournament participants; the Big Ten’s Northwestern and our hosts from Northern Illinois of the Mid-American Conference. Although we came away with a disappointing 0-1-1 record, I know we learned valuable lessons against good opponents that will make us better down the road.

In our first game on Friday night, a stiff wind became a major factor in the match. NIU was a good squad and they came out with some quality sequences and possession in the opening 30 minutes but were not able to capitalize. The boys settled down and from that point on it became a test of wills… or rather who could survive playing against the wind.

Statistically, NIU was the lead team in shots and corners but their percentages revealed less than a dominant result as freshmen redshirt goalkeeper Thomas Spenser (Hastings on Hudson, NY), starting the first game of his career, handling the Huskies' few dangerous chances. “Spense” had good night handling crosses well and making two big saves when needed; one on a semi breakaway and another on a diving stop off a free kick. Regulation ended 0-0 and in the overtime was not much different as neither team could find the deciding chance. It was far from our best soccer to date but it was a gutsy performance on a night when we had to grind out a result.

On Saturday we had a light training session and then were treated to a relaxing lunch at the home of Robby Gargaro’s house hosted by his parents Bob and Geri and attended by a slew of our Rhody parents including Terry Casey, the Cloutiers, Eckmayers and Ribben’s. We had quite a crowd at both games as in addition to our parents the supporters group included Luann & Jim Ruddy (parents of Dean ’05) and John & Valerie Tanke (parents of Michael ’10) as well as the extended family (grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins) of Andy Hess (N. Kingstown, RI) who hail from the South Side of Chicago.

Sunday, we were provided with a great opportunity in the form of an skillful Northwestern Wildcat team who had beaten Drake 2-1 in OT in the other match-up on Friday night. They were small up front but a very quick and technical team that we felt we could match up well against. The game was all that we thought it would be and statistically even in the end but it had its’ ebbs and flows with NW counting on possession to our counter attack and pockets of soccer.

NWU got on the board first with a scrappy goal it the 15th minute but we continued to battle and 2 minutes from the interval Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) curled a cross from the flank into the back post space where Andrew Tetzlaff (Livingston, NJ) volleyed it home for the equalizer.

In the opening minutes of the second half we found ourselves behind in the score line again on a controversial “yes/no” offside call that led to a Wildcat goal. We now had to chase the game and with that take chances that could expose us. A lapse in concentration off a short restart led to third NWU goal and the game seemed to be slipping away.

But, the guy’s persevered until Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) slipped a pass wide to Michael Casey (Wakefield, RI) and he hit a swerving left footed drive from a tough angle that hit off the far post and into the near post side netting for his first goal of the year. We had 11 minutes to go and that is all we could ask for at this juncture. We continued to press to create chances and when Brett Uttley (Jamestown, RI) shot was saved by the Wildcat GK we had ran out of time. Matt Sykes and Michael Casey earned All-Tournament honors for their work on the weekend but I’m sure they would gladly turn in their individual honors for another result.

Now we have a full week of preparation for our next match at Holy Cross on Saturday September 15th at 7:00 pm. It will be nice to get the guy’s in our regular training rhythm with recovery, rest and training.

By the way following the Brown game I received an email from David Stephenson ’64 who commented: “Fifty years ago I made 48 saves against Brown University at Meade Field. Unfortunately there were five shots I did not stop! And just to rub in their triumph against our hapless Rams, their coach, Cliff Stevenson made his team run wind sprints after the game”. Shows you how deep the roots of the Brown/URI rivalry are in the end.

Also got a nice email from Bob Sauter, father of former goalkeeper Mark Sauter ’07. He wanted to let everyone know that Mark got married in Boston the weekend of September 2nd to Leah Marani ‘07, his URI classmate and college sweetheart. Mark is a graduate of University of Cincinnati Law School and works as an Attorney for the Department of Homeland Security in Boston where he deals with immigration cases in federal District Court. Congrats and best wishes to Mark & Leah!

Don’t forget Homecoming Weekend 2012, October 26th – 28th. Hope to see you all then…

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

September 4, 2012

Dear Friends & Alums,


WOW! What an exciting night! We had a crowd of over 2500 on hand and they got two exciting games in the 3rd Annual Ocean State Soccer Classic. Thanks to our Rams FC families as well as all our alums, parents and supporters who were in attendance. It was overwhelming...

In the first game of day Brown defeated Providence 1-0 to take home their first OSSC Tournament Championship. Then the fireworks went off in the consolation where we battled with Bryant University to a 4-4 draw. It was a great game for the fans as 8 tallies between the two teams squashes any soccer “newbies” thoughts that there are not a lot of goals scored in our game. It obviously wasn’t something we were necessarily looking for after conceding only 2 goals previously in two 0-1 defeats to open the season but it was exciting none the less.

The game was a seesaw battle with two of our guy’s getting their first career goals in the opening half. First, redshirt sophomore Trevor Moran (Willbraham, MA) banged home a missed clearance that went off the inside of the left post and into the right side netting to tie the game at 1-1. Senior captain Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) got his tally 6 minutes later off sophomore midfielder Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) corner that classmate Mike Casey (Wakefield, RI) knocked down with his head. It put us up 2-1 and seemed like we had the momentum but Bryant equalized just before the half.

In the second half the teams traded penalty shots in less than a 2 minute span as Sykes got his first of two goals on the night. The Bulldogs would pull ahead in the 59th minute but “Syksey” scored on a long shot off a Adam Blanchard (Scarborough, ME) punt to bring it even again. Although we got several chances including a Robby Gargaro header that went off the post, crossbar and GK hands, we also got help of the soccer gods on a Bryant ball that hit the crossbar in overtime - neither team could find the winner.

For their performances on the weekend, Brett Uttley (Jamestown, RI) and Matt Sykes were named to the Ocean State Classic All-Tournament Team.

Classes begin tomorrow and we travel to DeKalb, IL for the weekend to play in the NIU adidas Invitational. We have the host Huskies on Friday at 6:00 pm and Northwestern University Wildcats of the Big Ten on Sunday at Noon (*both times are Eastern). It should be a great weekend of soccer as these two teams both played in the NCAA Division I Tournament last season.

Before I sign off congratulations to David Caetano ‘82 who was recently voted into the New England Soccer Hall of Fame. He will be inducted later this fall and now be among several former Rhody players to be bestowed this honor, our most recent being Kevin Murphy ‘80 in 2011.

Take care and GO RHODY!
Coach O’C

September 1, 2012

Dear Alumni & Friends,


We took a disappointing loss at #24 Brown last night in the semi-final of the Ocean State Soccer Classic. The Bears scored on what most in attendance considered a dubious penalty in the first half but we put on quite a performance in the 2nd 45 minutes. I was very proud of the boy’s effort as we showed excellent pieces of play and progress forward to where we wanted to be down the road.

After taking some time in the first half to adjust to Brown’s direct style of play, the team settled in began to play football. We got several nice set ups for chances off of a couple of Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) crosses but no joy in the end. So, the score line held at 1-0 Brown at the half.

Out of the break we got a hold of the ball and were able to control the tempo of the game. Brett Uttley (Jamestown, RI) and Joey Haught (Brecksville, OH) orchestrated so superb combinations with Sykes and Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) providing speed on the flanks. Goalkeeper Adam Blanchard (Scarborough, ME) and the back four saw some Brown counter attacking chances come their way as we pushed to get a goal. They turned them away and looked like we got the equalizer when Jamie Eckmayer got around the right flank and drove a cross back the Joey Haught slid and redirected in the net. But incredulously the off-side flag was up and the goal taken back. Our last gasp efforts pushing forward were cleared after a couple of blocked shots and the game ended with the Rams on the short end of the score.

It was a terrific performance that Rhody fans would be proud of as we got some key contributions from guy’s off the bench including freshmen Oscar Soons (Breda, Netherlands) and Ross Morison (Linlithgow, Scotland).

Next up is the Ocean State Soccer Classic consolation game which is Monday September 3rd at 7:30 pm. Due to freshmen orientation conflicts at Brown, the final between the Bears and Providence will be played at 5:00 pm. Both games are at the URI Soccer Complex. Admission is FREE so please come join us, see the improvements to the soccer stadium and cheer on the Rams to their first victory of the season.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

August 26, 2012

Dear Alums & Friends,

It was great to hear from all of you who emailed with best wishes for the season. The boy’s and our staff really appreciated it as it means a lot to have the support. Unfortunately a 1-0 loss to the pesky Catamounts of the Green Mountain State was not the way we wanted to start the 2012 season.

The game was the first for men’s soccer on Vermont’s new Virtue Field. The weather was mid-to-upper 80’s and the turf was even hotter (usually 10-15 degrees more on this kind of surface), causing hot spots on many of the guy’s feet. We had a nice group of supporters making the trip to Burlingston including the Eckmayer’s, Casey’s, Uttley’s, Moran’s and Bob Gargaro our weary traveler. We were unfortunately without Tim Dragon ‘13 for the weekend whose grandfather passed away this past week. Our condolences go out to the entire Dragon family who have been loyal supporters of the team.

In spite of being a man up for the entire second half, after their right back was sent off for a reckless challenge with less then a minute before the break, we played well but just couldn’t get the equalizer. The “Green Mountain Men” scored off a long thrown in the first 20 minutes. But, we responded well and for the final 20 minutes of the half we found our rhythm and got a couple good chances with the duo of Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) and Michael Casey (Wakefield, RI) running up top including a disallowed goal.

In the second stanza we were able to keep the rhythm we found at the first and controlled play. UVM sat in and looked to counter and so our job was to work to break them down. The boy’s did just that including a rip from 18yards by senior midfielder Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) that just went wide, a whirling spin volley by senior forward Lindroos that just went over the bar and great free kick by Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) that nearly found the net. As we pressed for the tying goal UVM did get behind us a couple of times but junior red shirt goalkeeper Adam Blanchard (Scarborough, ME) snuffed out each chance. In the end we ran out of time and ended up on the short end of the result. For those who saw the game streamed off of UVM’s website, I think you saw a good display and a start of what is to come as the season gets into full swing.

Next up is the 3rd Annual Ocean State Classic and our semi-final match-up with the Brown University Bears coached by former Ram Assistant Pat Laughlin. The game is set for Friday August 31st at 7:00 pm in Providence with the consolation and finals being played at the URI Soccer Complex on Monday September 3rd at 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm respectively. The specific match-ups will be posted on GoRhody.com after the game on Friday night. We hope you will come out and support the boy’s in the home opener. Last year the game garnered over 2500 fans so we are looking to put that up over the 3000 mark this year!

Before I sign off I wanted to once again thank Trish & Terry Casey (parents of Michael Casey ’15) and Sharon Racca (mother of URI women’s player Devin Racca ’16) for hosting a joint URI men’s & women’s soccer BBQ during pre-season. It was great to have both teams there along with our soccer supporters Tony, Kim & Eric Rose, Matt Racca (brother of Devin who plays at Wentworth College), Dean of the URI Business School Mark Higgins and his wife Ann, Linda and Dennis Kamerzel, Lori, Jim, Katie and Kristina Dufficy (Michael Casey’s Aunt, Uncle and cousins) as well as Betty Tracy (aka Grandma Casey). It was quite a group and a wonderful event to break up the monotony that comes in pre-season training.

Finally, heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS go out to Aimee & Peter Dos Santos ’94 on the birth of their son, Bennett Gardiner on August 16th. Everyone is doing well and the Dos Santos’ now have a five-a-side team of their own with daughters Rylan (6 years old) and Addison (3 years old). Peter assured us in his email that Bennett “will be wearing Rhody Blue in about 17 years”…we certainly expect that!

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

August 23, 2012

Dear Alums & Friends,

Pre-season is officially over and before we know it so will the summer with not much more then 2 weeks left in the dog days of August. But, it is a great sign as it means that we are that much closer to our first game of 2012 versus the Catamounts of the University of Vermont.

Late Friday morning we head north to Burlington for a 1:00 pm match the next day. The guy’s are very excited to get at it after a very good performance against Ivy League foe Harvard in the final exhibition game of pre-season training. So, we are excited to get going for real as UVM will be quite a test being their home opener as well as the first game on their new field turf facility Virtue Field. I’m sure you alums remember Vermonts old Centennial Field. I certainly do from my days at Maine as they had a great atmosphere and following including the students who sat in the trees that hung over the field and heckled the visitors. For those who can’t make it, the game will be streamed on the web for free.

The following weekend the 3rd Annual Ocean State Soccer Classic brings us home for an opening game at Brown on Friday August 31st at 7:00 pm followed by the consolation/finals held at the URI Soccer Complex on Monday September 3rd at 5:00 pm & 7:30 pm respectively. We have our eyes on the being in the finals as we were last season so keep tuned to www.gorhody.com for all the results.

There’s been a lot of news from the alumni front since I last wrote including not only former Ram Geoff Cameron’s move to Stoke City of the EPL but also his terrific performance in the USMNT historic win against Mexico in Azteca Stadium. In many of not all of the on-line soccer pages Geoff and Tim Howard were the #1 stars of the game. Congrats Geoff and our best wishes of more victories like that to come!

The other day Adam Homler ‘88 and his family dropped by the office after a little vacation in Newport before returning to their home on Long Island. They spent some time chatting as well as walking campus. The kids even got to shoot around in the new and improved URI Soccer Complex. They seemed to enjoy their visit and maybe we’ll even get another Homler on the Ram roster in the future!

Also heard just today from Perek Bellah ‘04 Who is coming down on the weekend of October 13th with his family to attend a game. Perek is coaching club soccer in upstate New York and is in close touch with the program as a staunch Rhody supporter!

A reminder that Homecoming Weekend this year is October 26-28 and we will be home with Atlantic 10 games versus Duquesne on Friday at 7:00 pm and St. Bonaventure on Sunday at 1:00 pm. On Saturday we will be sponsoring an Alumni vs. Alumni “Bread & Butter” followed by a URI Soccer BBQ in “Rhodyville” prior to the Homecoming Football game. It should be a great weekend so make plans to get back to Kingston now!

Before I sign off I wanted to let you know that this morning the team and I spent some time at the track encouraging David Isaacks ‘16 in a 1 1/2 mile in run to support him being one of 40 finalists for a $20,000 “Thriving Student” scholarship through the Cystic Fibrosis Association and the “CareForward Scholarship”. David ran the distance supervised by two people from the “Boomer Esiason Foundation” in a sleek 9 minutes with the help of teammate Parker Kuklinski ‘13 who kept him company and helped him pace. If you haven’t already be sure to support David by voting for him at http://www.CFCareForwardScholarship.com as well as check out his inspirational video. Here is this kid living a joyful life with CF buzzing around the track with determination, poise and passion. It truly was site to see and something every one of our players can refer to during games when things are difficult, their gas tanks are getting empty and they need a boost! We are truly luck to have him on the squad.

All the best and GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

April 2, 2012

Dear Alumni & Friends,

We got back late last night from our trip to Albany, NY for two 60-minute matches hosted by Siena College led by head coach and URI Alum Gareth Elliott ‘01. The day was a little rainy and cold and there were predictions of snow the night before but it never materialized. The field turf at Siena played fast due to the conditions but that suited us well in the end.

The first game of the day matched us up with Masters Football Academy (Canada), coached by Junior Groves whose daughter Jeri transferred mid-year to URI to play for the women’s soccer team. Like Siena who played them before us, the game was in our control from the onset but we managed only 1 goal in the first 30 minutes. It came on a well paced through ball to junior forward Jamie Eckmayer ’13 (Harrington Park, NJ) from freshmen striking partner Ross Morison (Linlithgow, Scotland).

In the second half we continued to work away and finally wore them down, scoring 3 including a super chest control and volley by Michael Casey ‘15 (Wakefield, RI) and another on touch finish by Matt Sykes ’15 (Sheffield, England) after a cross and dummy over the ball. We would have had a 5th by junior defender Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) but unfortunately it was called back for a handball prior to his finish. It was good to tickle the twine a few times but we knew the second match would be a great challenge.

URI 4, Masters Academy U18 (Canada) 0
Scoring: J. Eckmayer (R. Morison), M. Casey (T. Lindroos), M. Casey (M. Sykes), M. Sykes (M. Ribbens, M. Casey)

Line-up: Spenser (Blanchard 30), Cloutier, Gargaro, Moran, Dragon (Kuklinski 30), Haught, Sykes, Ribbens, Tetzlaff (Janisznewski 45), Eckmayer (Casey 30), Morison (Lindroos 30).

In the second game versus the hosts, the pace was faster and hats off to our guy’s for adapting and responding well to some clever early one touch combination play by Siena. The game had its’ back and forth moments but we also had some of our own creative chances by virtue of a couple of nifty individual runs with the ball by Joey Haught (Brecksville, OH) and Matt Sykes. Siena had a couple of very good chances that just nearly missed as well as a goal called back for offside but the game stayed tied at the interval.

In the second 30 minutes we finally broke through with the first goal of the game as junior midfielder Andrew Tetzlaff’s (Livingston, NJ) tallied his first of the spring from a late back post run. In the closing 15 minutes the Saints put us under pressure but the boy’s held tight and thwarted the hosts advances. An insurance goal from Jamie Eckmayers, his second of the day, gave us breathing room until the final whistle.

URI 2, Siena 0
Scoring: A. Tetzlaff (M. Sykes), J. Eckmayer (T. Lindroos)

Starting Line-up: Spenser, Cloutier, Gargaro, Dragon, Moran (Kuklinski 30), Haught, Sykes, Tetzlaff, Ribbens, Morison (Lindroos 30), Casey (Eckmayer 30).

It was a good day on many fronts, scoring goals and keeping a clean sheet are great rewards for our goalkeepers Adam Blanchard (Scarborough, ME) and Thomas Spenser (Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) who have been working hard with Goalkeeper Coach Chris Pennock.

After some recovery time this week we will host a Blue vs. White on Thursday April 5th at 7:00 pm at the URI Soccer Complex. We’ll then take the Easter weekend off and get back at the following week in preparation for hosting NCAA Division II team Assumption (CT) and American International College (MA) on Saturday April 14th beginning at 11:00 am. Hope to see you there!

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

P.S. ALUMS, if you haven’t already don’t forget to RSVP to Assistant Coach Callum Bisset via the URI Alumni Facebook page or cbissett@mail.uri.edu for the Annual Alumni Game & BBQ on Sunday April 29th at 1:00 pm at the URI Soccer Complex. We have a good crew coming back and look to add to the list. Those who RSVP will be GUARANTEED a limited edition REPLICA GAME JERSEY to be worn during the match that are being ordered TOMORROW. So, don’t miss out...

March 26, 2012

Dear Alumni & Friends,

The spring season is now in full stride as we finally got to our first non-traditional game yesterday. The boy’s have been training hard since getting outside before spring break but they are certainly happy to play against someone else besides themselves.

Our first opponent of the spring was the New England Revolution US Development Academy U18 team. It was a home game of sorts as we played it just up the road at East Greenwich High School. They have a beautiful new turf field facility and we were thankful EG youth soccer and the recreation department for being allowed to use it. The venue was a perfect to begin the spring season as we assumed the URI Soccer Complex wouldn’t be ready. Who figured we’d have had such a mild winter and beautiful weather last week...

Although rain was in the forecast it turned out to be a great day to play. The Revs featured a couple of RI high school standouts as well as a familiar face on their bench in URI alum Jonathon Pereira ’10. JP works coaching for the Revolution in their Academy program. So, it was a bittersweet day for him as his Rams defeated his Revs 2-1.

The first half began well but the hosts got on the board first with a superbly bent ball from 20 yards out to the left of the goal that snuck over freshmen goalkeeper Thomas Spenser (Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) into the side netting. It was a beautiful shot and was on the only way it could have happened with Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) denying other options. Our guy’s created some chances of their own including a couple of nifty combinations that provided crossing opportunities and a rocket from Jon Cloutier (Honolulu, HI) from 35 yards out that hit the upright of the football goal post just over the crossbar. The half ended with the visitors up 1-0.

In the second half the tempo changed for our squad and with that the results followed. Freshmen forward Ross Morison (Linlithgow, Scotland) made an immediate impact in the game when he volleyed home a deflected ball for the equalizer. Morison's goal was set up by classmate Matt Sykes (Nottingham, England) who flicked a ball that skimmed off one of the Revs central defenders, right to the big Scotsman who made the best of the opportunity.

Sykes also had his hand in the game winner as he turned a pass in the central midfield and paced a perfectly timed pass behind the Revs defense on the left side to Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) who slotted it past their goalkeeper and off the far right post for his first of the spring. It was a well-deserved goal as Sykes and Eckmayer had been working on the same connection all afternoon but had received little joy until their last and most important chance. Here is the line-up for the match:

STARTING LINE-UP: Spenser, Cloutier, Gargaro, Hernandez, Dragon, Haught, Sykes, Moran, Tetzlaff, Eckmayer, Casey. Substitutes: Blanchard, Janiszewski, Kuklinski, Lindroos, Morison, Ribbens.

It was a good result and excellent way to begin the spring season. Next week we travel to Albany, NY to face Siena College and old friend Gareth Elliott ’01 and his Saints. Along with the Siena match we will also face Master Football Academy from Canada who is coached by Junior Groves who daughter Jerusalem transferred to URI from the University of Houston this winter to play for Rams women’s coach Mike Needham ’96.

Before I sign off, I have to send along congratulations to URI men’s soccer academic advisor Nicole Poloski and her husband John on the birth of their second child Ryan Roy Polosky. Mother and baby are doing well and big brother Dylan is delighted to have a playmate.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

March 15, 2012

Dear Alums & Friends,
We’re in the middle of Spring Break in Kingston and it is a quiet yet beautiful day. In fact besides a little rain yesterday our unseasonably warm weather has been a constant. It’s been a good time for Callum, Chris, Mitch and I to get things ready for the spring non-traditional season that begins next week when the players return. Here is the spring schedule:

Sunday – March 25 - New England Revolution U18 USSDA - East Greenwich, R.I. – Noon

Sunday – April 1 – Siena Spring Invite – Loudonville, N.Y.
Noon – URI vs. Siena
1:10 p.m. – URI vs. Masters Football Academy (CN)
2:20 p.m. – Siena vs. Masters Football Academy (CN)

Friday – April 6 – Blue vs. White Scrimmage – Kingston, R.I. – 7 p.m.

Saturday – April 14 – Rams Spring Triad – Kingston, R.I.
11 a.m. - URI vs. AIC
12:10 p.m. – AIC vs. Assumption
1:20 p.m. – URI vs. Assumption

Saturday - April 21 – McCully Memorial Tournament - Nauset, Mass.
Noon – URI vs. Brandeis
2:30 p.m. – URI vs. Wheaton/Bentley

Saturday - April 28 - URI Spring Quadrangle - Kingston, R.I.
11 a.m. - URI vs. Holy Cross
12:10 p.m. - Brown vs. Vermont
1:20 p.m. - URI vs. Vermont
2:30 p.m. - Brown vs. Holy Cross

Sunday – April 29 – Alumni Game – Kingston, R.I. – 1 p.m.

The spring schedule is a good one and chock full of good matches to test our guy’s. Of course the highlight is the Annual Alumni Game on Sunday April 29th at 1:00 pm at the URI Soccer Complex. The match will be preceded by the women’s alumni game and followed by a BBQ for all alumni, their families, parents and friends of the program. This year all alums in attendance will receive a GAME JERSEY. BUT, in order to receive one when you get here we need to know you are coming! So, please RSVP to Callum Bissett (cbissett@my.uri.edu) or via the URI Soccer Alumni Facebook page BY APRIL 1st as we need to put in the order so we have enough on hand. WE WILL NOT BE ORDERING EXTRA’S SO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU LET US KNOW....

Speaking of alumni we have quite a bit to report. First and foremost congratulations to Aidan Byrne and his wife on the birth of their daughter Kyra Teresa Byrne (6 lbs., 14 oz.) on March 2nd. The Byrnes are playing 2 v 2 now so the game has changed…It’s been very exciting to see Houston Dynamo defender Geoff Cameron ‘07 training and playing recently with the US National Team 1-0 win over Venezuela and more recently travelling with the USMNT for their historic win over Italy. US National Team Coach Jurgen Klinsmann seems to like what Cam brings to the table…Former NY Red Bull and Toronto FC defender Danleigh Borman signed recently with Supersport United FC (www.sufc.co.za) in ABSA Premiership (South African National Soccer League). Danleigh was selected in February by the New England Revolution in the MLS Supplemental Draft but chose to head home to play…Rhody standout and skipper Simon Gatti ‘06 recently announced his retirement from the Montreal Impact who this year moved into Major League Soccer. Simon had an outstanding 5 year career for his home countries side and we wish him the best in his endeavors down the road….I was recently contacted by URI alumni Derek Chapman ‘83 who is looking to put together an alumni team in the New York Collegiate Alumni Soccer League (http://www.nycasl.com). The NYCASL is comprised of Alumni from NCAA Division I, II, and III soccer teams like Long Island University, Colgate, Cornell, Tufts, Carnegie Mellon, Williams, Wesleyan and Holy Cross. For more information or questions you can contact Derek at 612-834-0203 or dchap888@gmail.com.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

January 23, 2012

Dear Alums & Friends,

Hope you are all doing well and for those in New England, have dug out from our first significant snow of the winter. Classes began for the spring semester today and this morning we meet with the team in preparation for our winter training to begin tomorrow morning. We’ll have 2 hours per week with the ball and another 6 hours of fitness training which should get the boy’s ready for the spring season. The spring non-traditional season will be upon us before you know it but we’ll send along our schedule when the dates and times are confirmed.

Speaking of the spring the Annual URI Alumni Game will be held on Sunday April 29th at 1:00 pm at the URI Soccer Complex. Assistant Coach Callum Bissett ‘07 has already began his recruiting his squad via Facebook as the alums are looking to follow up last years win with the a repeat performance. Will see if the boy’s have something to say about that! Following the game there will be a BBQ for all alums, friends and families. Callum and Chris Pennock ‘10 are looking into getting alumni replica game jerseys for their squad so if you are planning on coming/playing please let us know asap.

On the alumni front hopefully many of you saw or heard about Geoff Cameron making his first start for the United States National Team against Venezuela which was shown live on ESPN3 (you can see the replay there now). Cam played central defender alongside Rhode Island native Michael Parkhurst and in front for Brown alum Jeff Larentowicz. That’s three players with RI ties! He had a great match, nearly scored on a header and helped the US to a thrilling and well deserved last minute 1-0 victory. New US Coach Jurgen Klinsman’s and his boy’s next match will be January 25th against Panama. Here’s a nice article about the game and Geoff courtesy of Michael Tanke ‘11.

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/united-states-mens-national-team-geoff-cameron-jermaine-jones-012212

I spoke to Michael the other night just before the US game. He is back in Rochester after spending the fall as a volunteer assistant coach at Indiana University-Perdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI), a NCAA Division I program in the Summit League that is coached by his former club coach Isang Jacob.

In other alumni news Peyton Warwick ‘11 and Adam Howarth ‘07 recently participated in the InfoSport Combine in FL. Adam had been training with the NE Revolution this fall but wasn’t able to catch on. InfoSport was the combine which allowed Danleigh Borman and Michael Tanke to be seen and eventually picked up by their respective MLS and USL teams. Peyton also travelled back home to Kansas to be a part of a Sporting KC combine which be all accounts went well.

FEBRUARY 1ST is right around the corner and with that the National Signing Date for NCAA Division I men’s soccer programs. We will be posting and sending out a press release announcing our class as it is one that we are VERY, VERY excited about. I can’t go into detail as of yet as it is against NCAA rules to do so but it includes several internationals, players from high profile USSF Academy programs, two URI Centennial Scholars as well as a couple of home grown Rhode Island transfers. The Class of 2012 will follow up our 2011 group which we all saw made a great impact on the program last fall.

Before I sign off we got some sad news to report in the untimely death of Atlantic 10 Referee Assignor Nick Cinquanto. Nick was a great person, a consummate professional guy and a fan of Rhody soccer. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends in their loss.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

November 21, 2011

Dear Alums & Friends,

Things here on campus are pretty quiet as many students are getting ready or have already headed home for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Our guy’s have been busy since the end of the season with lifting three days a week as well as meeting individually with the coaching staff. They’ve been working hard at it and have quite a determined look in their eyes. In addition they started donating their time to help with our Rams FC Fall Technical Training Academy in Keaney Gym. We have well over 50 kids attending with nearly 30 on the waiting list. It’s a great chance for the guy’s to get some coaching experience while demonstrating for the kids.

Anyway, we had some good news as a follow up to the season as freshmen midfielder Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) was named to 2011 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team. Being recognized by the conference coaches as one of the top newcomers is certainly great for the future of the team.

Here is some alumni news that has come along the wire as of late...Well done to Dom Petrarca ‘10 led the South Kingstown Junior Varsity team to the RIIL State Championship. He also serves as the Varsity Assistant Coach under Scott Rollins who coaches in the Rams FC program…. Congratulations are in order for Steve Mellen ’08 who recently became engaged to longtime girlfriend Christine Puleo who is also a URI graduate. Steve has had his coaching shoes on too helping at North Kingstown High School....On the national front, if you were scanning through the channels the other morning and stopped on CNNMoney, yes that was Barry Knapp ‘84, Head of U.S. Equity-portfolio strategy for Barclay’s Capital. Barry has been a regular guest analyst...Gareth Elliott ‘02 and his Siena College Saints made a late run at the MAAC Championship in Lake Buena Vista, FL by knocking off 7th seeded St. Peter’s 5-1 before losing to #2 seed and nationally ranked Iona in a PK shootout....Hope everyone stayed up to see MLS Cup where Geoff Cameron ‘08 was playing in his second championship game with his Houston Dynamo team. Geoff was a key to the Dynamo’s success down the stretch, moving to central defender in order to anchor the Houston defense and help the team go undefeated in their last 9 games of the season. Unfortunately they dropped a 1-0 decision to David Beckham and Landon Donovan’s LA Galaxy on a Donovan goal. Any other news? Pass it along...

After the Thanksgiving holiday the players will be getting ready for exams but before that we will be holding our 2011 Team Banquet at Charlie O’s Tavern in Narragansett. Soccer alum and owner Chris Simon has hosted us the last 2 seasons in the upstairs (Simon’s Place) which is a great venue. All alums, parents and friends are invited to attend. Tickets are $10 per person and reservations can be made by contacting assistant coach Mitch Stone at (401) 874-2560 or stone@mail.uri.edu.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

October 31, 2011

Dear Friends & Alumni,

In any given year a split on an Atlantic 10 weekend would be a welcome result but this time it was a disappointment. Going into this doubleheader we had our A10 Tournament fate in our hands as winning our last three conference games would almost certainly guarantee us a spot in the A10 tournament especially considering some of the strange results. We finished it still with a chance but now we have to rely on other results to make our goal a reality.

On Friday night we finally had the offensive explosion we have been waiting for with a 4-1 domination of the University of Richmond. We got balanced scoring as 5 different players tallied points and goalkeeper Adam Blanchard (Scarborough, ME) filled in well for Peyton Warwick (Prairie Village, KS) who was out with a concussion. It was quite a night, and weekend, for junior midfielder Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) who led the way with 2 goals and 1 assist. He started us off an opening strike for 22 yards reminiscent of his game winner against Fordham last year off a pass from Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) in the 23rd minute. Just before the half freshmen midfielder Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) took a Mike Casey (Wakefield, RI) pass and spanked it, hitting a Spiders defender and deflecting past the goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.

It took only 7 minutes into the second stanza for Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) to get on the scoreboard with an athletic goal off a Matt Ribbens cross. Ribby hit a bending cross that looked like it was destined for the Richmond goalkeepers hands but Jamie leapt like a Gazelle to skim it by him for the tally. Ribbens and Casey hooked up for the final goal which capped off a well deserved offensive burst. It was a great start to the weekend and our quest to sweep our last three.

Sunday, was a busy day with snow overnight initially threatening the game and the emotion of the final home game of the season. Prior to the match we honored our four seniors Franco LoPresti (Markham, Ontario), Reece Markman (Dallas, TX), Peyton Warwick and Oscar Zorrilla (Providence, RI). It was great to have their families there to share the day.

We started the game with a different look as unfortunately Franco was unable to play due to yellow card accumulation so junior Tim Dragon (Flemington, NJ) and Oscar Zorilla were called upon to fill in on the day. The first half was very, very sluggish and George Washington took advantage building a 2-0 lead. It was an extremely disappointing 45 minutes as we just did not play with the energy and enthusiasm we have been with a combination of unforced turnovers combined with some players looking out of sync. It was hard to get a grasp on exactly what was happening out there but it was not our best moments and in the end it cut us deep.

During the interval we regrouped and came out to all but dominate the next 45 minutes going against a stiff wind. In the 57th minute the man of the weekend Matt Ribbens combined with Jamie Eckmayer and Matt Sykes for a fantastic blast from the top of the box to cut the lead in half. We continued the pressure and handled GW’s counterattacking play including a big breakaway save by Peyton Warwick in the final 10 minutes that could have sealed the game then and there. We were on the verge of getting the tying goal when we just ran out of time.

So, as the standings look we still have an outside change to get in but we do not hold destiny in our own hands as we did going into the game against GW. We need to win at UMass next weekend and have some other teams in the league lose in order into the tournament via the backdoor. By kickoff next Saturday we should have a pretty good idea of where we are and if the soccer gods are kind, will steal a slot in the A10 tournament. Keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers as it would be a shame to have this team miss it.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

Sad News...

Dear Alums & Friends,

It is with a heavy heart I write to let you know of the death of former URI player Winston Griffiths this past Saturday October 23rd in Kingston, Jamaica. At this point the details and cause of death are unknown. He was 33 years old.

Winston came to the University of Rhode Island in the fall of 1999 as part of a long line of successful Jamaican players of his time to wear Rhody Blue including Andy Williams, Nicholas McCreath, Dennis Richards, Conrad Hibbert and Anthony Curtis just to name a few.

Although Winston played only one season at URI he made his mark in 1999 scoring 9 goals and 8 assists in 19 games. That year Rhody finished the regular season 15-2-1 (10-1-1 in the Atlantic 10 Conference) while winning the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship with identical 7-0 shutouts of UMass and Duquesne in the semi-final and final. Winston was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Tournament team along with 6 other teammates. The 1999 squad went on to win an NCAA play-in game over Mercer before bowing out to intra-state rival Brown in the NCAA first round.

Winston began his professional career with the Connecticut Wolves in the United Soccer Leagues First Division. In 2002 he was drafted by the Dallas Burn of Major League Soccer and sent to the NY/NJ Metrostars before the season began. Later that season he was traded to the LA Galaxy and then to the New England Revolution where he reached the 2002 MLS Cup. Following his stint in MLS he played for Portmore United (2003) and the Vancouver Whitecaps (2004) before returning to Jamaica to sign with Arnett Gardens of the Jamaican National Premier League (NPL). He also played professionally in the Canadian Soccer League for Toronto Supra before returning to Jamaica in 2007, signing with Sporting Central in the NPL.

On the international stage Winston made his debut for the Jamaican National Team against Guatemala and earned 28 caps from 1998-2002, scoring 2 goals for the Reggae Boyz.

The entire URI soccer family is saddened by this news and I know you join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and former teammates.

God Bless you Winston,
Coach O’C

October 24, 2011

Back-to-back away weekends in the league can be tough but they can also be an opportunity to earn some points back in the race to the Atlantic 10 Tournament. They can also be very cruel as we found out this weekend in our A-10 split.

The front of this trip was away at St. Bonaventure in Olean, NY. The game, originally scheduled as an afternoon tilt was moved to 7 pm on a turf field at a high school in Bradford, PA, about 20 minutes from St. Bonnie’s campus. The game started off with a bang as just 38 seconds in junior forward Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) laid a first time ball out to classmate/roommate Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) who whipped in a low cross in penalty spot high where Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) one timed it in for the fastest goal recorded since my time at URI. The early goal was great but there was a long time to go. The teams traded play with thing getting fairly direct. We seemed to be getting the best chances but the hosts were able to equalize with 7 minutes before the half.

In the second half we made some adjustments and again came out of the gates fast. Just under 10 minutes in we saw a near duplication of our first goal but this time it was Eckmayer to midfielder Joey Haught (Brecksville, OH) who played Matt Ribbens wide and through on the right. Matt again hit a driven ball to Sykes who ran on and re-directed a rocket off the far post and back across to the opposite side netting for his second goal of the game. As the game trickled down we got hold of the ball more and more to seal the victory.

Sunday couldn’t come sooner as the buy’s were anxious to get back on the field to try and sweep the weekend. A game that started out as an evening matched affair turned into a rout for the hosts…their second of the weekend as they had beat UMass 4-1 on Friday night.

The game started off as any competitive A10 game does. We created a couple of very good chances including a redirect from Jamie Eckmayer and a volley that just went over the bar from Michael Casey (Wakefield, RI). Duquense tallied first and held a 1-0 advantage going into half time. Their lead quickly turned to a 1-1 tie when Reece Markman (Dallas, TX) scored his 2nd goal of the season off an assist from Joey Haught. It looked as though we were on our way and building momentum when then the wheels began to fall off the cart beginning with senior goalkeeper Peyton Warwick (Prairie Village, KS) suffering a concussion after a scramble in the 18 yard box. He was ably replaced by back-up Adam Blanchard (Scarborough, ME) who, to be fair, didn’t have to make a save by the end of the game. But he was the victim of the Dukes onslaught as scored the eventual game winner on a re-directed corner as well as three others in the last five minutes that included a PK.

The most disappointing part was not in the loss but that in the final minutes and for numerous reasons the play did not reflect what URI soccer is to our alums, families and friends. Win, lose or draw we have an expectation that we must live up to and it became a lesson learned for our young team.

Next weekend we return home for the final doubleheader weekend and a big task at hand. To get a chance at an Atlantic 10 Tournament berth we need to win out. I am confident we can do it but this week will be a time to refocus our energy and commitment to our goal of getting to St. Louis. It will be an exciting weekend with Friday’s game versus Richmond followed by our Sunday tilt against George Washington on Senior Day. That afternoon we will honor our four seniors Franco LoPresti (Markham, Ontario), Reece Markman, Oscar Zorrilla (Providence, RI) and Peyton Warwick in pre-game ceremonies. It could be a wild ride and hope that you will join us.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

October 10, 2011

Dear Alums & Friends,

It was a great weekend here in Kingston as we opened the Atlantic 10 Conference campaign. It was going to be such a challenging weekend with the #1 and #2 A10 pre-season favorites coming to town. The boy’s have been chomping at the bit to get going again since our last regular season game on September 25th. The weekend marked the beginning of the second half of the season, a fresh start and even the unveiling of our new home and away kits. What a perfect way to kick off our quest to the A10 Championships.

Friday night was a perfect night to play as the Billikins from St. Louis University came to the URI soccer complex. Kick off was delayed about 30 minutes due to the assistant referees getting caught in Columbus Day weekend traffic coming through Boston. But, the guy’s were patient and ready to go when the opening whistle blew.

With the dew on the grass and the excitement of the first A10 game there was a lot of energy in the air. We used that to our advantage outshooting SLU 10-2 and 3-1 in corners in the first half. After the interval the guy’s kept possession and that discipline paid off with a beautiful combination from a trio of first year players that led to what proved to be the game winner. After a good entry pass into forward Ross Morison (Linlithgow, Scotland) from classmate defender Alan Hernandez (Pearland, TX), Morison laid the ball off to Matt Sykes (Sheffield, England) who ripped a shot destined for the right bottom corner. The SLU goalkeeper dove to his left and deflected it out but senior midfielder Reece “Johnny on the Spot” Markman (Dallas, TX) got to the rebound, slid a ball under the defenseless goalkeeper and off the post and in. From there on we controlled the tempo of the game, keeping the ball moving and earning the shutout. It was a dominating a performance by a URI squad over SLU since I’ve been at URI.

On Sunday, UNC-Charlotte came down from Amherst with a #13 national ranking and a 2-1 OT win over U. Mass on Friday. We new this would be a battle especially considering the history and the game coming on the back end of the weekend doubleheader.

The game match off a bit off for our side as we couldn’t really put together sustained play. On the other end Charlotte was confident as expected and in the 17th minute took a 1-0 lead. The game had become a competition of wills and at half-time we needed to make some tactical adjustments to get us going in the right direction.

The boy’s took what we said to heart and soon you could see a shift in play. In the 56th minute the tactics, discipline and perseverance paid off as junior reserve midfielder Andrew Tetzlaff (Livingston, NJ) sliced in from the right side, played a ball into Ross Morison who deflected the ball back to freshmen forward Michael Casey (Wakefield, RI) who one timed a shot for the equalizer and first career goal in Keaney blue.

Down the stretch is was a downright war in the box as it got very physical on corners and free kicks. Senior tri-captain and goalkeeper Peyton Warwick (Prairie Village, KS) stayed strong while making several good stops to keep the game level. It looked like junior forward Jamie Eckmayer (Harrison Park, NJ) had the winner on an angled breakaway from the right side but his shot to the left went just wide. The overtime had the same feel as regulation and to be fair, either team could have won it but it ended in a draw.

It was a great way to start the A10 season especially with the key minutes and contributions on Sunday we got from Tetzlaff, Mark Lubetkin (Livingston, NJ) and Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland), who was coming back into the team after a bout with pneumonia. This week we should have everyone back into training finally with Oscar Zorrilla (Providence, RI), Austin Dias (Greenville, RI), Tim Dragon (Flemington, NJ) and Jon Cloutier (Honolulu, HI) all back from injury.

Next weekend we take to the road for the first of back to back away A10 doubleheaders. We’ll be in Philly on Friday to face defending regular season A10 Champions LaSalle and then up to Fordham on Sunday for a matinee match-up. Keep your eyes on www.gorhody.com to follow us on gametracker as well as the results and details.

GO RHODY!
Coach O’C