The University of Rhode Island women’s soccer team (3-9-1) had their losing streak extended to eight games this week with a 2-0 loss at Saint Joseph’s University on Thursday, and a 3-2 heartbreaker against the University of Richmond on Sunday.
Thursday’s match was scoreless until the second half when Saint Joseph’s Hannah Racis put herself on the scoring sheet in the 57th minute. Before Racis’ goal Rhode Island goalkeeper Katie Nickles had made five saves to keep Rhode Island in the game, and seven total on the night. In the 71st minute the Hawks scored their second and final goal on the night when Shannon Mulvey put away a header off of a free kick, bringing the final score to 2-0.
“We faced a team that was better than us on that specific day. We couldn’t break past their defense and they got past ours twice early on,” said head coach Michael Needham.
When the University of Richmond visited the Rhode Island Soccer Complex on Sunday, the Spiders were first on the board when Ashley Riefner knocked home a free kick from the right side of the box. Just five minutes later Richmond added to their lead in the 22nd minute scoring off of another set piece at the top of the box. Sunday’s match seemed to be going in a similar direction to Thursday’s prior to the second half of play.
Rhode Island entered the second half looking to attack. In the 47th minute freshman defender Sofia Cabral gained possession in the midfield and placed a cross into junior forward Ari Stanton who put away their first goal of the afternoon and fifth of the season. In the 58th minute Cabral led the charge once again for her second assist on the afternoon, chipping another ball into the box, this time to sophomore forward Taylor Ross who headed home the equalizer.
“Sofia’s a great player for us she showcased her abilities Sunday not only because she had two assists, but how much she helps our team all over the field she makes everyone better,” said Needham.
In the 81stt minute, Richmond regained the lead for good when Riefner put away her second goal on the afternoon this time inside the box past a diving Katie Nickles. Nickles had seven saves on the afternoon for Rhode Island.
“We have been unlucky with being on the losing end of many close results, especially in a game  when we fight back from a 2-nil deficit and still don’t receive a point,†Needham said. “It’s tough. But I thought our team played great although it ended the way it did especially getting back to scoring goals. The last one we scored was a penalty kick against St. Louis.”
Rhode Island travels to Olean, New York, this Thursday night to face St. Bonaventure at 7 p.m.
“Going to St. Bonaventure, we are looking for three points as always,†said Needham. “A win is there for the taking. We just need to concentrate, go in there and play our game.â€