Men's Soccer Hosts Saint Joseph's on Chariho YS Night

Oct. 16, 2009

Homecoming Weekend Preview with head coach John O'Connor

KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island men's soccer team returns to the URI Soccer Complex to face Saint Joseph's, Friday night at 7 p.m. All Chariho Soccer players (ages 12 and under) who wear their jersey will receive free admission to the game.

The Rams (3-7-1) will take the field looking to bounce back after opening the Atlantic 10 slate with back-to-back losses at Dayton (4-0) and Xavier (3-2, overtime). Offensively, Rhode Island is paced by Erkko Puranen's seven points (3g, 1a) while Gary Crooks has tallied two goals and an assist. A total of 11 different Rams have contributed either a goal on an assist so far this season.

Anchoring Rhode Island's back line, freshman Robby Gargaro and juniors Matt Preyss and Dwayne Williams have started every game for Rhody. The only other Ram to start each of the team's 11 games is senior goalkeeper Chris Pennock - who has recorded a pair of shutouts and sports a 1.81 goals against average.

St. Joe's (0-9-0) makes the trip to Kingston in search of its first win this season. Four different Hawks - Colin Baker, Rocco Pozzessere, Kevin Kirsch and Greg Dusing - have each netted goals this season while Andrew D'Ottavi has seen the majority of time in goal, posting 0-8 record to go along with a 3.07 goals against average and a .716 save percentage.

Rhode Island holds a 16-4 advantage in the all-time series with SJU. The Rams have won 11 or the last 12 meetings dating back to the 1995 season.

Fans unable to attend the game can follow the action live on Gametracker.