Men's Soccer
Rams Advance to Semifinals After Shootout Win vs. Charlotte
Nov. 12, 2009
Postgame Interviews: O'Connor and Pennock
KINGSTON, R.I. -- Chris Pennock made 12 saves and stopped two shots during the penalty kick shootout, as #4 seeded Rhode Island advanced past #5 Charlotte to the semifinals of the 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championship.
The three-day tournament is taking place at the URI Soccer Complex on the campus of the University of Rhode Island in Kingston.
Tied at 1-1 after 110:00 of play during regular and overtime periods, Rhode Island advanced after Gary Crooks, Michael Tanke, Jonathan Pereira, and Andres Ruiz found the back of the net, winning the PK round, 4-3.
The 49ers tallied the first score of the match in the 11th minute, as Evan James took a deflection off a Rhody defender and put it to the far post. It was James' sixth goal of the season. Charlotte led 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, URI's Greg Balicki tallied the equalizer - his fourth goal of the season - in the 67th minute, scoring off a Thomas Lindroos cross from the right side.
Charlotte outshot Rhode Island, 4-2, in the extra periods and 22-7 for the match. Shots on-goal favored the 49ers, 14-4.
Charlotte goalkeeper David Martin played all 110:00, making three saves.
Rhode Island will take on #2 Saint Louis tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at the URI Soccer Complex in the second match of the day. #6 St. Bonaventure and #1 Dayton play at 5 p.m.
