Men's Soccer
Rams Fall to Siena, 1-0, in Double Overtime
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - The Rhode Island men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 double-overtime decision at Siena College, Sunday afternoon. Senior goalkeeper Chris Pennock (Spennymoor, England) made nine saves in the loss.
The two teams played more than 104 minutes of scoreless soccer until Daniel Alderstad scored on a rebound within the six yard box to give the Saints the victory. Nick Viaggio picked up an assist on the play - which was the result of a free kick at the top of the 18-yard box.
"Chris was great for us all day," explained head coach John O'Connor. "He stopped the initial shot as well as the rebound attempt before they eventually put the second loose rebound past him. We just weren't able to clear the ball and Siena took advantage of that."
Siena's win marks the second straight year that former URI assistant coach Gareth Elliott has led his squad to a double overtime victory over his alma mater. Last season in Kingston, the Saints tallied a goal at the 104:50 mark to pick up a 2-1 win over the Rams.
"Its hard to lose a game - any game - with just five minutes left on the clock," added O'Connor. "This one especially frustrating though because its so similar to how things ended last season."
The two teams played evenly through the first half, with each side recording seven fouls, five shots and one corner kick. The Saints came back from the break and forced Pennock to make five saves while his counterpart, Steve Skonieczny, recorded three - all of which were on shots by freshman Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland).
Skonieczny, who finished the game with seven stops, turned away a pair of shots by freshman Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, N.J.) and junior Andres Ruiz (Providence, R.I.) in the first overtime period.
Rhode Island returns to action next weekend when it travels to Hanover, N.H. to participate in the Nike/Hyperthern Classic. The Rams are set to face Iona at 4:30 p.m. on Friday before taking on host team Dartmouth College, Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
