URI Edges PC in Rhode Island Derby

KINGSTON, RI – Senior Steve Mellen and Lukasz Tumicz scored and goalkeeper Chris Pennock made nine saves for the shutout as the University of Rhode Island men’s soccer team blanked cross-state rival Providence, 2-0, Monday night.

Senior Steve Mellen tallied the first URI goal

URI took the lead in the 42nd minute when redshirt freshman Andres Ruiz moved the ball through the Friars’ defense and tapped a quick pass to Mellen, who blasted the ball past Friar goalie Timothy Murray and into the top left corner of the net.

In the second half, Tumicz volleyed a pass from senior Danleigh Borman over Murray at the 45:27 mark.

The Rams were forced to play the game’s final 20 minutes a man down when sophomore Domenic Petrarca was issued red card in the 71st minute. The Friars had some of their best chances as the clock wound down but the Rhode Island defense and a few key saves by Pennock earned the Rams the win.

“We had to make some adjustments out there tonight – especially playing a man down,” said URI head coach John O’Connor. “But the guys responded well. There’s a lot of pride and emotion that goes into this rivalry and its even better to win this one at home in front of our fans.

“This was an important win for us,” added O’Connor. “It gives us the confidence we need heading into next weekend when we’ll play two top-10 teams.”

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