Men's soccer falls, 1-0, to PC in 2OT home opener

Highlights

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's soccer team fell to Providence, 1-0, in double overtime on Friday afternoon in Smithfield, R.I., in the opening round of the 2012 Ocean State Soccer Classic.

After playing even for nearly the entire game, the Friars (1-2) broke the scoreless tie in the final minute of the second overtime to advance to the tournament championship on Monday evening.

The Bulldogs came out strong creating early opportunities in the first 45 minutes of the match. Freshman midfielder Brett Larocque (Ottowa, Ont.) had two good looks early on that just missed and freshman forward Matt Guerriero (Pickering, Ont.) saw a sure goal pushed aside on a great save by Providence keeper, Keasel Broome. Despite outshooting PC, 6-5, in the half, Bryant was unable to come up with in the first 45.

The second half and two overtime periods were primarily dominated by the Friar offense who took 14 shots in the final 65 minutes. However, despite an aggressive PC attack, the Bryant defensive corps stood strong. Freshman goalkeeper Chris Knaub (Yarmouth, Maine) had six saves (five in the second half and overtime) in only his second collegiate game for the Bulldogs. Knaub had multiple timely stops, halting Friar attacks in the closing minutes of play, displaying poise and discipline between the posts.

The lone goal of the match came in the final minute of the second overtime from PC junior midfielder Wilder Arboleda. In the Friar's final attack of the game, sophomore Thomas Ballenthin advanced the ball up the left side of the pitch and lofted a beautiful cross into the box setting up Arboleda perfectly for a header into the back of the net.

The Bulldogs were outshot by the Friars, 19-7, in the contest, however, four of the seven Bulldogs shots were on net.

The Bulldogs will take the field again on Monday in Kingston, R.I., in the consolation match of the Ocean State Soccer Classic. They will play the loser of the Friday night game between Brown and URI.

For all the latest information on Bryant University men's soccer, visit BryantBulldogs.com