The University of Rhode Island men’s soccer team (3-2-1) split their weekend series at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Soccer For A Cure Classic, defeating Stetson University 1-0 before losing 2-1 to host school UAB.
On Friday night, URI found itself locked in a tight one that remained scoreless at the end of the first half. The Rams would ultimately power through and win the war of attrition after freshman Peder Kristiansen fired a cross to fellow freshman Niklas Middrup for his first career goal in the 63rd minute. The goal was all it took for Rhode Island as they gritted out a 1-0 victory to start the weekend off on a good note.
Junior goalkeeper Nils Leifhelm had four saves on the day on route to turning in his second clean sheet of the season. Head coach Gareth Elliott has been pleased to see his new underclassmen jive with the team’s upperclassmen, while also having an impact on results.
“The young guys have obviously come in and really contributed and it’s great to see many of them contribute so early in their careers,” Elliot said. “The new additions are gelling well with our returning guys. The upperclassmen are taking the underclassmen under their wing, getting them used to everything a lot quicker.”
Saturday’s result for Rhode Island was a different, and less settling one as they faced a tough matchup against home team UAB. The Rams found themselves trailing less than five minutes into the game after UAB’s Tarnue Tyler netted the opening goal off of a steal. URI responded though, tying the score before half time in the 27th minute. Junior Joey Cain finished a cross from redshirt sophomore Danny Apajee, who, with assist, earned his first point in a URI uniform since transferring from Syracuse University.
The second half started much like the first with another early UAB goal. Henrique Sposito knocked in a rebound off of a teammate’s shot that bounced off of the post in the 55th minute. Sophomore Dominik Richter and Apajee each had opportunities to even the score, but the post was not so kind to the Rams. Even with an unfortunate result to finish the weekend, Coach Elliott was happy with his team’s performances.
“I think we showed a lot of character this weekend,” Elliot said. “Friday was a game where we definitely did not have our best stuff, but we still ground out a 1-0 result. Being able to win those games where you don’t have your best stuff is nice. On the other hand I thought Sunday we played very well and came out on the wrong side of a close 2-1 game. Our guys showed a great level of grit and determination this weekend. They aren’t really phased by anything.”
Rhode Island returns home for their next three games with the first being this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. against the University of Albany.
“It will be nice to get back to the friendly confines of Kingston for the next three games,” Elliot said. “The boys are looking forward to playing in front of a nice crowd, and getting their first home win at our tremendous facility.”